This honey garlic sausage pasta is a crave-worthy one-skillet meal with a bold blend of sweet, savory, and spicy.
Juicy sausage, tender pasta, and a sticky honey garlic glaze come together for a weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-level delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Made in one skillet for easy cleanup
Combines sweet, savory, and spicy in perfect balance
Ready in about 30 minutes
Kid-friendly and meal-prep approved
Deliciously satisfying and cozy
Ingredient Highlights
Smoked sausage – Andouille, kielbasa, or your favorite—adds rich, smoky flavor.
Pasta – Use short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti for the best sauce coating.
Honey garlic sauce – A sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Chicken broth & cream – Simmered with the pasta to create a luscious sauce base.
Red pepper flakes – Optional, but perfect for a gentle kick.
Parmesan & herbs – Add freshness and umami to the finished dish.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Slice your sausage thin for even browning and crisp edges.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the salt in check.
Stir the pasta often as it cooks to prevent sticking.
Add red pepper flakes gradually—you can always increase heat, not reduce it.
Let the sauce thicken before adding sausage back in.
How to Make Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
Add sliced sausage in a single layer.
Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy.
Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook Pasta in Broth & Cream
In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
Stir and scrape up any browned bits. Add pasta and bring to a boil.
Reduce to simmer and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is reduced.
Step 4: Add the Sauce & Thicken
Stir the honey garlic mixture and pour into skillet.
Combine cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir that in too.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Return the Sausage
Add cooked sausage back to skillet and toss everything together.
Let it heat through for 1–2 more minutes.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley or basil, and extra red pepper flakes if you like.
Serve warm!
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread or focaccia
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers
Variations & Substitutions
Try turkey or chicken sausage
Swap honey with maple syrup for a twist
Use gluten-free pasta if needed
Make it dairy-free with coconut cream and omit Parmesan
Storage & Leftovers
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth or cream
Can be frozen, though texture of pasta may soften
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes! Just slice and brown it for extra flavor.
What pasta works best?
Short shapes like rigatoni or penne hold the sauce well, but spaghetti works too.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only slightly—adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely! Just double each ingredient and taste as you go.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! Store in portions and reheat easily during the week.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Whole milk works best.
Do I need to drain the pasta?
Nope! The pasta cooks right in the broth and absorbs all the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This honey garlic sausage pasta is a sweet and savory dream that satisfies with every bite.
It’s bold, cozy, and surprisingly simple.
Keep it in your weeknight dinner rotation—you won’t regret it.
Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
For the Sausage & Pasta:
- 1 lb smoked sausage sliced
- 8 oz pasta spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water slurry
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil chopped
- Extra red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Brown sliced sausage, then remove.
- Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Add chicken broth and cream to skillet.
- Stir in pasta. Simmer uncovered 10–12 minutes.
- Add honey garlic sauce and cornstarch slurry. Simmer to thicken.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/honey-garlic-sausage-pasta-skillet-recipe/
Notes
- You can substitute smoked turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Penne and rigatoni hold the sauce best, but spaghetti works too.
- For extra creaminess, stir in an additional splash of cream just before serving.
