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Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian with substitutions

Description

The Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan dinner that combines savory sausage with a sticky honey garlic sauce, tender pasta, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
  • 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water

Other Ingredients & Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from casings and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, stirring frequently.
  3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth or water along with honey, stirring to blend. Add uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced to a sticky glaze.
  4. Combine and Finish: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce and evenly coat the pasta and sausage. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Choose good-quality sausage for best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness.
  • Use ridged pasta such as penne or rigatoni to help hold the sticky sauce.
  • Adjust honey or liquid amount for desired sauce thickness.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil added at the end enhance freshness and appearance.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: honey garlic sausage pasta, one-pan pasta, quick dinner, Italian sausage skillet, sticky honey garlic sauce