Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s easy to throw together? This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is the perfect answer. Juicy sausage is pan-seared and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, then tossed with tender pasta in a single skillet. It’s bold, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re feeding the family or just craving something hearty and delicious, this dish delivers.

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work great)
1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

2. Sauté the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add sliced sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
Reduce heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the sausage. Stir well and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a sticky glaze.

4. Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help coat the pasta evenly.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.