Sticky Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta Skillet

Hey, do you love easy dinners that taste amazing? I’m all about quick meals, and this Sticky Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta Skillet is just that.

It’s got sweet honey mustard, savory sausage, and pasta all cooked in one pan. Honestly, it’s sticky, yummy, and ready fast.

If you want a meal that feels fancy but takes minutes, this skillet is for you. Stick around—I’ll share how I make it every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Flavors: The sticky honey mustard glaze brings just the right mix of sweetness and tang to the savory sausage and pasta.
• One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Comforting and Creamy: The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that feels indulgent but simple.
• Versatile: Use penne, rotini, or your favorite pasta shapes. You can also swap sausage types to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe reheats well, perfect for packed lunches or quick dinners all week long.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

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

Servings:
Makes about 4 generous servings.

Difficulty:
Easy and approachable, perfect for beginner cooks but also satisfying for seasoned chefs.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or frying pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients for Sticky Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, creamy pasta skillet:

• 1 lb (450g) sausage, sliced (choose your favorite—Italian, smoked, or breakfast sausage)
• 12 oz (340g) pasta, penne or rotini work best
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking the sausage
• 1/4 cup honey to create the sticky sweetness
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard for tangy depth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream to add creamy richness
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish and freshness)

How to Make Sticky Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta Skillet Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Save about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water—it will help loosen the sauce later if needed.

2. Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.

3. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the honey and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine and warm the mixture gently. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing well to create a smooth sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Combine Pasta and Sausage

Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and sausage evenly with the honey mustard sauce.

5. Add Cheese and Adjust

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir well until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it creamy and sticky. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

6. Season and Garnish

Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Sticky Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta Skillet

This dish is great on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out the meal:

• Green Salad: A crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus work well to add color and nutrients.
• Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

For extra flavor, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce on top before serving.

Storing Sticky Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta Skillet

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Freeze: While not ideal for texture, you can freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat carefully.

Variations for Sticky Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta Skillet

• Swap Sausage Types: Use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or vegetarian sausage to suit dietary preferences.
• Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the sausage cooking step for added nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce for a little heat.
• Use Different Pasta: Try fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta to change the texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, respectively.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up better in the sauce.
• Browning the sausage well adds depth of flavor and a pleasant texture.
• Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce thickness as needed.
• Stir sauce gently over low heat to prevent curdling of cream.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated and boosts flavor.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	580 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	55 g
Fat	25 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Cholesterol	75 mg
Sodium	720 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	12 g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Sticky Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta Skillet FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta work well in this recipe.

Is there a vegetarian version?
Try substituting sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian option.

How long can leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and sausage ahead, then combine with the sauce when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Sticky Honey Mustard Sausage Pasta Skillet is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick to make and easy to customize. With just one pan, you get a creamy, tangy sauce coating tender sausage and pasta—a perfect weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping meals for the week, this skillet dish offers satisfying taste and simple prep.