A Whiff of Sweet Heaven

Ever walked past a kitchen and been hit with the delicious scent of sweet garlic and savory sausage? That’s exactly the vibe you’ll get with this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta! Picture this: creamy pasta coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that clings to every bite. This dish is your ticket to a dinner that’s quick, cozy, and incredibly satisfying.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you whip up this delightful dish tonight? Here are a couple of reasons:

Easy Cleanup: It’s a one-pan wonder! Less washing up means more time for Netflix binges.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will gobble this up—plus it’s a great way to sneak in a bit of protein!

Who wouldn’t love a dinner that feels fancy but comes together in a snap? 😋

Ingredients:

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
1 lb (450 g) sausage, sliced (Italian sausage or your preferred type)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Directions:

Ready? Let’s get this pasta party started!

Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta according to package instructions, salting the water generously. When it’s al dente, drain it and set aside—don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water!
Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides (about 5-7 minutes).
Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). Pour in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring well. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for some kick.
Reintroduce the Sausage and Pasta: Toss the browned sausage back in and let it soak up the sauce for 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy sauce. Stir in butter for extra richness.
Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Finish it off with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta (Overview)

This dish is as simple as it is delicious. Start by boiling the pasta—don’t forget to save that pasta water; it’s liquid gold! While that’s cooking, brown the sausage in a pan. Sauté some garlic until it makes your kitchen smell divine, then mix in the honey and soy sauce for that sticky goodness. Finally, bring it all together, stir in the cooked pasta, and you’ll have a winner in no time! Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic —it makes all the difference!

How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta

Serving this dish is as fun as eating it! Imagine twirling your fork around those shiny, sticky bites of pasta, glistening with a honey-garlic glaze. Add a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color and perhaps a dusting of Parmesan cheese for that creamy richness. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that sauce. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you! 🍝

How to Store Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. For longer storage, pop it in the freezer where it will stay good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet with a splash of broth or water for the best results.

Tips to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta

Watch the Timing: Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente gives it the perfect texture.
Ingredient Swaps: Use turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegan option.
Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for a zesty twist.
Texture Play: For an extra crunch, toss in some nuts or seeds when serving.
Mix it Up: This sauce works great with chicken, shrimp, or even vegetables for a different take.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding chopped bell peppers or broccoli to the mix for extra veggies. If you want a vegan version, just swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative and the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You’ll still have a dish bursting with flavor!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap for your favorite type—just adjust cooking times as needed.

What if I don’t have honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can work in a pinch for that sweet touch.

Can I make it ahead of time?
For sure! Just prepare everything but the pasta and toss it together right before serving.

Who wouldn’t want to dive into a bowl of Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta tonight? So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get cooking!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!