One Pot Zesty Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta

Craving a quick and flavorful dinner? One Pot Zesty Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta is the perfect meal for you!

This dish combines savory sausage, tangy honey mustard sauce, and tender pasta, all cooked in one pot for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Imagine the zesty, sweet, and savory sauce coating every bite of sausage and pasta, making each forkful better than the last.

Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will spice up your dinner and leave everyone asking for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the same pan—less cleanup, more flavor.
• Creamy & Tangy: The honey mustard sauce brings a zesty kick to smoky sausage and pasta.
• Customizable: Toss in veggies or cheese based on what you have in the fridge.
• Weeknight-Ready: Easy enough for busy evenings but tasty enough to impress.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings:
Serves 4 people as a main course.
Double the recipe for a larger family or meal prep.

Difficulty:
Easy and beginner-friendly, even if you’ve never made one-pot pasta before.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Ingredients for One Pot Zesty Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this satisfying, creamy pasta dish:

Main Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup honey mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings & Extras:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for richness and extra saltiness)

Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra shredded Parmesan

Variations for One Pot Zesty Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta

• Add Crunch: Stir in sautéed bell peppers or broccoli for texture and nutrients.
• Swap the Sausage: Use chicken sausage, kielbasa, or even sliced hot dogs if that’s what you’ve got.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Go Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk and skip the Parmesan.

How to Make One Pot Zesty Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Sausage

In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned on both sides.
This step builds flavor and gives the sausage a slight crispiness.

2. Add Broth, Cream, and Pasta

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream, then stir in the honey mustard and garlic powder.
Add the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s fully covered by liquid as much as possible.
Bring everything to a gentle boil.

3. Simmer and Stir

Lower the heat to medium-low.
Cover the pan and let the pasta simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring every 4–5 minutes to keep it from sticking.
Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.

4. Add Peas and Cheese

Once the pasta is fully cooked, stir in the frozen peas (if using).
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and let the pasta rest uncovered for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra cheese if you like.
Serve hot, right from the skillet.

Serving and Decoration

This dish is best served hot and creamy, straight from the skillet. It makes a comforting dinner on its own, but you can dress it up depending on the occasion:

• For a simple meal: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a light salad.
• For a fancy touch: Add a sprinkle of chopped chives or a drizzle of extra honey mustard over the top.
• For family-style dinner: Place the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone dig in.

If you’re packing leftovers, scoop the pasta into airtight containers while it’s still warm so it stays creamy.

Storing One Pot Sausage Pasta

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat: Warm it in a pan with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creaminess.
• Freezer Option: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use good sausage: The smoked flavor carries through the whole dish, so use one you really enjoy.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on it while it simmers. Stir often so it doesn’t stick.
• Taste and tweak: Always taste before serving—sometimes a little more salt or mustard can balance things out.
• Let it rest: A few minutes off the heat helps the sauce thicken without getting gloopy.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	580 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbohydrates	48 g
Fat	32 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Cholesterol	75 mg
Sodium	920 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	7 g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

One Pot Pasta FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or shells works. Just adjust the cook time slightly.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cream cheese can work as substitutes, though the sauce may be thinner.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers reheat well. Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This One Pot Zesty Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta is one of those meals that feels fancy but is secretly easy. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with smoky sausage and pasta that cooks up in just one skillet. Great for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even sharing with guests—it’s hearty comfort food without the fuss.