Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a perfect weeknight meal that’s both quick and comforting. With just a handful of ingredients, it transforms into a flavorful dish that feels indulgent yet simple enough for busy evenings. The sweet, savory sauce perfectly coats the sausage and pasta, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

I first stumbled upon this recipe on a particularly hectic day when I needed something easy but filling. The combination of honey, garlic, and sausage gave me exactly what I was craving—something hearty but not too heavy. It quickly became a family favorite, with everyone eagerly asking for seconds.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re using Polska Kielbasa, chicken sausage, or a plant-based option, it’s easy to customize based on what’s in your fridge. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers comfort, flavor, and a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes or less.

Short Description

Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a one-pan dinner with savory sausage, pasta, and a sweet, garlicky honey sauce. Quick to make and packed with flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort meal your family will love.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (any type of pasta or spaghetti)
  
• 14 oz Polska Kielbasa sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
  
• 1 medium onion, diced
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1-2 tbsp cooking oil (avocado oil recommended)

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
  
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
  
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  
• Cracked black pepper to taste
  

Optional:

• Red pepper flakes (for garnish)
  
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
  

Tools Needed:

• Large pot for cooking pasta
  
• Large skillet
  
• Wooden spoon or spatula
  
• Measuring spoons
  

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Adding salt to the water enhances the pasta’s flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1-2 tbsp of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until they get a nice golden-brown char. This gives the sausage that crispy edge, which is key to the flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure to stir constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn. The kitchen should start to smell amazing by now!

Step 4: Make the Sauce
Now, it’s time for the magic sauce! Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir it all together, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening as it cooks, and the sausage will be perfectly coated.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step. Letting the sauce thicken gives it that rich, sticky texture that makes this dish so irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sausage
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is coated in that sticky honey garlic sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with cracked black pepper, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick and some fresh parsley for color. Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This dish is on the table in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes? Yes, please! Everything is cooked in one skillet.
  
• Comforting & Flavorful: The combination of sweet honey, savory sausage, and garlic is just irresistible.
  
• Customizable: Add some red pepper flakes for heat or top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. You can even swap out the sausage for chicken or tofu for a different twist.

Helpful Tips and Cooking Notes

Pasta: You can use any pasta you have on hand—spaghetti, penne, or even rotini work great. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well when tossed in the sauce.

Sausage Swap: If you’re not a fan of Polska Kielbasa, you can swap it for Italian sausage or any other type of sausage you prefer. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly.

Make It Vegan: For a plant-based option, try using vegan sausage or even tofu. It’s a great way to make this dish work for different dietary preferences.

Nutritional Benefits & Fun Facts

Honey: Known for its antioxidants, honey also has antibacterial properties and is a natural sweetener.

Garlic: A superfood! Garlic has immune-boosting properties and may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Protein Power: Sausage adds a nice boost of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Final Dish & Serving Suggestions

The sausage glistens with its sticky honey garlic glaze, and the pasta is perfectly coated with a sweet and savory sauce. The dish is warm, comforting, and filling, with a hint of spice if you added those red pepper flakes. Serve it with a simple side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal, and you’ve got dinner done in a flash.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. If you’re in a rush, microwave it for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use any type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any sausage you prefer. Try spicy Italian sausage for a kick, or go for a milder chicken sausage.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead of time, then just cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet has quickly become a favorite in our house, and I have a feeling it’ll be one in yours too. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or whipping up a quick dinner that’s full of bold, satisfying flavor.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear the twist you put on it!