Introduction

Sticky honey garlic sausage pasta is the ultimate one-pan dinner that brings together smoky sausage, rich sticky-sweet sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in under 30 minutes. The bold flavor combo of garlic, soy, and honey clings beautifully to every bite, making this a weeknight winner your family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta skillet is ready in just 30 minutes
It uses one pan only—less mess, more flavor
The sweet-savory sticky sauce is irresistibly bold
Adaptable to other proteins or veggies
Family-friendly, picky-eater approved

Recipe Origins

Inspired by Asian-style garlic sauces and American comfort food traditions, this one-pan pasta recipe fuses sweet-savory flavors with smoky sausage. It’s a modern twist on skillet dinners that reflects the popularity of sticky garlic glazes in fusion cooking.

Ingredients

1 lb smoked sausage
8 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 garlic cloves
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

1- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes until smooth

2- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat

3- Add sliced sausage and brown for 3-4 minutes until golden

4- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil

5- Stir in the uncooked pasta and simmer 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally

6- Add the honey garlic sauce mixture and stir to coat

7- Mix cornstarch with water, pour into skillet with the heavy cream

8- Cook 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta

9- Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan and herbs, and serve hot

Nutrition Information

Calories: 640
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 870mg

Quick Facts

Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 20 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: ⭐⭐

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container.
Keeps fresh for up to 4 days.
Reheat with a splash of broth or cream over medium heat.
Freeze portions up to 2 months in sealed containers.
Let thaw overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic bread
Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted broccoli or green beans
Pinot noir or slightly sweet white wine

Common Mistakes

Overcrowding sausage while browning: prevents caramelization
Skipping the cornstarch slurry: sauce won’t cling properly
Overcooking pasta: makes it mushy in one-pan cooking
Using low-fat cream: sauce may split instead of thicken

Recipe Variations

Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of sausage
Try tortellini or whole wheat pasta
Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas
Use coconut milk for a dairy-free twist
Add sriracha or smoked paprika for spice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, cook everything but undercook the pasta slightly. Reheat with cream or broth.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, in portions for up to 2 months. Best to slightly undercook pasta before freezing.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, cream cheese with milk, or full-fat coconut milk all work well.

Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Reduce or skip red pepper flakes if needed.

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes—penne, shells, or rotini all work well. Adjust cook time as needed.

Conclusion

Sticky honey garlic sausage pasta is the weeknight dinner you didn’t know you needed. One pan, bold flavor, no fuss—this comforting skillet meal hits every craving with its balance of sweetness, garlic, cream, and savory sausage. Try it once, and it’ll be on regular rotation in your kitchen!