Sticky honey garlic sausage has become my go-to for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat. I remember the first time I tried making it, I was a bit nervous about getting the glaze just right, but it turned out to be so simple! The aroma of garlic and honey caramelizing in the pan is absolutely mouthwatering, and the sweet and savory combination is just divine. This easy honey garlic sausage recipe is a lifesaver when I’m short on time but still want something delicious and satisfying. If you’ve ever wondered how to make honey garlic sausage that’s perfect every time, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage
Get ready to fall in love with this incredible dish! Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Unbeatable Flavor: It perfectly balances sweet honey with savory garlic for a truly delicious taste.
- Speedy Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples, it’s an affordable meal option.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters will adore this kid-friendly weeknight meal.
- Versatile Dish: This sweet and savory sausage recipe is incredibly adaptable to your preferences.
- Healthy-ish Option: Packed with protein and easily customized with veggies, it’s a satisfying meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your fantastic meal.
- A True Crowd-Pleaser: This sweet and savory sausage recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients for Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage
Gathering these honey garlic sausage ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. You’ll find that most of these are likely already in your pantry, making this whole dish incredibly convenient!
- 1 pound Italian sausage – I usually opt for mild Italian sausage, but feel free to use hot or even a chicken or plant-based sausage for a different twist.
- 8 ounces short pasta – Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work wonderfully as they catch the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key for that pungent, garlicky kick that complements the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup honey – This is where the “sticky” comes from! It creates a beautiful glaze.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce – For that essential savory, umami depth. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 1 tablespoon vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of tang to balance the sweetness.
- Optional: 1 cup vegetables – Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini add color and nutrients.
- Optional: 1/2 cup cream – For an extra rich and creamy sauce.
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – If you like a little heat!
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage
Whipping up this amazing honey garlic sausage skillet is a breeze, and the results are always spectacular. Let’s get this delicious meal started!
- Step 1: First, prepare your sausage by slicing it into about 1/2-inch thick pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and get beautifully browned. Next, mince your garlic cloves – you want that fragrant aroma to shine through.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon vinegar. This simple mixture is the magic behind our sticky glaze.
- Step 3: Cook your 8 ounces short pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. Overcooked pasta can make any skillet meal a bit mushy, so keep an eye on it!
- Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced sausage in a single layer. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, allowing it to get a lovely golden-brown crust. This browning adds so much flavor!
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring it around the sausage for about 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it happens quickly!
- Step 6: Now, pour the whisked honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken and coat the sausage beautifully, creating that irresistible sticky glaze.
- Step 7: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything gently with tongs, making sure every piece of pasta and sausage is coated in that delicious sticky honey garlic sauce. If you’re adding vegetables, toss them in now too!
- Step 8: Serve this incredible honey garlic sausage skillet hot. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can add a nice touch of color and freshness. Enjoy this quick sticky sausage meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage
Elevate your sticky honey garlic sausage game with these simple tricks. They ensure a delicious outcome every time!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the sausage; cook in batches if necessary for a better sear.
- Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust seasonings – a pinch more soy sauce or a dash of red pepper flakes can make a big difference.
- If using vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, add them with the garlic so they soften slightly but still have a nice bite.
- For an extra creamy sauce, stir in the optional heavy cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right at the end, after the pasta is tossed.
What’s the secret to perfect Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage?
The magic lies in a good sear on the sausage and a properly reduced glaze. Getting that nice caramelization on the sausage adds depth, and simmering the honey-garlic sauce until it’s thick creates the perfect sticky glazed sausage.
Can I make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and slice the sausage a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply proceed with the recipe steps, adding a few extra minutes to the sausage cooking time if it’s cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage?
A common pitfall is burning the garlic; keep the heat low and stir constantly. Also, be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Lastly, don’t skip browning the sausage – that step builds crucial flavor!
Best Ways to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage
This versatile sticky honey garlic sausage is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to make it a complete meal. For a hearty and satisfying dinner, I love serving it alongside some fluffy mashed potatoes or a simple bed of white rice to soak up that delicious glaze. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli would be perfect. For those who truly appreciate a robust flavor profile, consider this a fantastic base for a garlic lovers sausage dish – perhaps with some roasted garlic cloves mixed in or served alongside crusty garlic bread!
Nutrition Facts for Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage
This sticky honey garlic sausage recipe is packed with flavor, and here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown per serving. It’s a satisfying meal that balances your macros quite well.
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of sausage or any optional additions.
How to Store and Reheat Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage
Leftovers of this fantastic sticky honey garlic sausage are a true gift, making a second meal almost as easy as the first. Once your skillet dish has cooled down slightly, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. This keeps it fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to preserve this deliciousness even longer, your sticky honey garlic sausage freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For a quick sticky sausage meal later, simply thaw the frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Reheating is simple: gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze, or microwave it until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage
What is honey garlic sausage?
Honey garlic sausage is a type of sausage, typically pork or chicken, that is glazed or cooked with a sauce made from honey and garlic. It’s known for its signature sweet and savory flavor profile, creating a delicious sticky coating that makes it incredibly appealing. This dish has become popular for its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing taste.
Can I substitute the type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Italian sausage, you can easily swap it out. Honey garlic pork sausage is a classic choice, but chicken sausage or even plant-based sausages work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly based on the sausage you choose to ensure it’s cooked through.
What are some good side dishes for sticky honey garlic sausage?
This sticky honey garlic sausage is wonderfully versatile. It pairs perfectly with simple starches like rice or pasta to soak up the glaze. For a lighter meal, steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette are excellent choices. If you’re leaning into the garlic theme, roasted garlic cloves or a side of garlic bread make for a fantastic garlic lovers sausage dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe for sticky honey garlic sausage is sweet and savory, not spicy. However, it’s very easy to add a kick! You can incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy honey garlic sausage variation. Adjust the amount to your personal heat preference.
Variations of Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic sticky honey garlic sausage, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For a fiery kick, try making a spicy honey garlic sausage by adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken sausage or even a plant-based sausage works beautifully, just adjust the cooking time as needed. You could also try a different cooking method, like baking the sausage and tossing it with the glaze in the last few minutes for an oven-baked version. Another fun twist is adding a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy note, making for a wonderfully different flavor profile.
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Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage: 10-Minute Amazing Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy one-pan Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet that balances sweet and savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (or chicken/plant-based sausage)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider vinegar recommended)
- Optional: 1 cup vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, zucchini)
- Optional: 1/2 cup cream (heavy cream or Parmesan cheese)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Slice sausage into 1/2-inch pieces. Mince garlic.
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, and vinegar in a small bowl.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Lower heat, add minced garlic to the skillet, and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the sausage.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with herbs if desired, with crusty bread or salad.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Don’t rush browning the sausage for better flavor.
- Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
- Whisk sauce ingredients before adding to the skillet for even flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before adding pasta.
- Use high-quality sausage for a more satisfying dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; reheat on the stovetop with a splash of liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
