Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet (Printable)
Savory sausage and pasta in a sticky honey garlic glaze, all cooked in one skillet for easy weeknight dining.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
→ Pantry Staples
02 - 9 oz penne or fusilli pasta, dry
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
05 - 3 tbsp honey
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Aromatics
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
→ Liquids
09 - 1 ½ cups chicken broth
→ Seasonings
10 - 1 tsp dried chili flakes
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
# Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely browned and caramelized on both sides.
03 - Add onion to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly to combine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Return cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss vigorously to coat evenly with the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and clings nicely to the pasta.
06 - Season with chili flakes and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat immediately. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot while the sauce is still glossy and coating the pasta.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The honey garlic sauce hits that perfect sweet and savory spot that makes your eyes roll back a little
- Everything happens in one pan, which means maximum flavor and minimum cleanup
02 -
- Don't rush the sausage browning step—that's where the depth of flavor comes from
- The sauce will look thin at first but it thickens quickly once the pasta goes back in
03 -
- Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining—it's liquid gold if your sauce needs loosening
- Let the skillet rest for two minutes off heat before serving so the sauce sets perfectly