Name: Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan: 30-Min Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed); 12 oz penne pasta; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan Sausage Penne has become my go-to weeknight wonder! If you’re looking for an incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy meal, you’ve found it. This dish perfectly balances the savory depth of Italian sausage and sharp Parmesan with the irresistible sweetness of honey and the aromatic kick of garlic. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and brings everyone to the table with a smile. I’ve found this Easy Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan recipe to be a lifesaver on busy evenings. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan Recipe is a Must-Try

You’re going to absolutely love this recipe. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a solution for those busy nights when you need something delicious fast!

Quick Prep Time: Get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes total.
One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup is always a win, right?
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The sweet, savory, garlicky, cheesy goodness is out of this world.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters usually devour this dish.
Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This Quick Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan Recipe saves the day!
Versatile: It’s a complete meal on its own.

Ingredients for Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan Sausage Penne

Gather these simple ingredients to create your flavorful pasta dish. The magic of the Garlic Parmesan Sticky Sauce comes from combining these pantry staples.

1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) – choose mild or hot based on your preference
12 oz penne pasta – cook this al dente for the best texture
1/4 cup unsalted butter – forms the base of our rich glaze
4 cloves garlic, minced – don’t skimp on the garlic for that essential flavor
1/4 cup honey – this is key for the sweet stickiness in our sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds that essential savory, salty depth
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – for a burst of freshness and color
Salt and pepper to taste – season as needed
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – for a little heat

Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan Sausage Penne ingredients laid out

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious pasta dish that’s sure to become a favorite. This Sticky Garlic Parmesan Recipe is easier than you think!

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

First, cook your penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Aim for perfectly al dente – tender but with a slight bite. Drain it well once it’s ready.

Step 2: Browning the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the Italian sausage until it’s fully cooked through. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease for a cleaner dish.

Step 3: Creating the Sweet Garlic Parmesan Glaze

Now, add the 1/4 cup unsalted butter and 4 cloves garlic, minced to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it’s wonderfully fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the 1/4 cup honey and let it bubble gently for another minute. This creates that signature Sweet Garlic Parmesan Glaze.

Step 4: Combining and Finishing

Toss the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the glaze. Add the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. Stir everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated. Season with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan

I’ve made this dish countless times, and a few tricks really elevate it. Following these simple tips will ensure your pasta is always a winner, whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

What’s the secret to the perfect Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan glaze?

The secret lies in the balance and timing. Gently sauté your minced garlic in good quality butter until it’s fragrant but not browned – burnt garlic is bitter! Then, let the honey bubble and thicken slightly for about a minute; this is what gives the glaze its signature sticky texture.

Can I make Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan ahead of time?

While this dish is truly best enjoyed fresh, you can make components ahead. Cook the pasta and store it separately from the sausage and glaze. When ready to serve, reheat the sausage and glaze, then toss with the pasta. This helps prevent the pasta from getting too mushy.

How do I avoid a dry Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan dish?

Don’t overcook your pasta initially; cook it just until al dente. When combining everything, ensure the pasta is well-coated with the glaze. If it seems a little dry, don’t hesitate to add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water. This helps loosen the sauce and makes everything wonderfully moist.

Best Ways to Serve Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan Sausage Penne

This Garlic Parmesan Glazed Sausage Penne is a hearty and satisfying meal all on its own, packed with flavor from the sausage, garlic, honey, and Parmesan. However, I love to pair it with a simple side to round out the meal. A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a lovely contrast to the rich pasta. Crusty bread is also a fantastic addition, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sticky sauce. It’s a simple way to make your dinner feel a little more special!

Variations of Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan

This incredible Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan sauce is so versatile, you’ll want to try it on everything! While the sausage penne is my absolute favorite, I’ve experimented with a few other delicious ways to enjoy it.

Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Swap out the sausage for 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Brown the chicken first, then proceed with the recipe as written. It’s a fantastic way to get that sweet and savory flavor onto your favorite protein.
Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan Wings: Make a batch of crispy baked chicken wings and toss them in this glorious glaze. You’ll get the amazing Sweet and Sticky Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings experience that’s perfect for game day or any party.
Vegetarian Delight: For a meat-free option, simply omit the sausage. You can add hearty vegetables like broccoli florets or roasted bell peppers along with the pasta, or use a plant-based pasta. It’s still incredibly satisfying!
Sauce for Anything: Don’t forget, this sticky sauce isn’t just for pasta or wings. Drizzle it over pork chops or use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers. The possibilities for this Garlic Parmesan Sticky Chicken Recipe base are endless!

Nutrition Facts for Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious pasta dish. This recipe is designed to be a satisfying main course.

Calories: 550
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 800mg

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

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan

One of the best things about this Sticky Garlic Parmesan Recipe is that it tastes almost as good as leftovers! To store, make sure your pasta has cooled completely. Then, transfer any remaining Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan Sausage Penne to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. For the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. If you prefer the stovetop method, add your leftover pasta to a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in a splash of water or chicken broth to help rehydrate the sauce and prevent it from sticking. This little trick ensures your Homemade Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan is just as delicious the second time around!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan

What is Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan?

Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan refers to a dish, often a pasta or chicken preparation, that features a rich, savory sauce made from garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a sweetener like honey or brown sugar. The “sticky” comes from the glaze that coats the ingredients, creating an irresistible texture and flavor combination that’s both sweet and savory.

Why is Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan sticky?

The stickiness in this dish comes primarily from the honey or other sweetener used in the glaze. When heated, honey caramelizes slightly and thickens, creating a syrupy coating that clings to the pasta, chicken, or sausage. This creates that signature mouthfeel and helps all the delicious flavors meld together beautifully.

Can I use this as a sauce for other dishes?

Absolutely! The Best Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan Sauce is incredibly versatile. While it’s fantastic on pasta and chicken, don’t hesitate to try it on pork chops or meatballs, or even as a dipping sauce for appetizers. It adds a wonderful sweet and savory kick to almost anything! For more recipe ideas, check out our latest recipes.

What are some other popular Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan variations?

Beyond the sausage penne, people love making Sticky Sweet Garlic Parmesan Chicken or wings. You can also find recipes for Garlic Parmesan Glazed Sausage Penne, which is essentially the same delicious concept. It’s a flavor profile that just works with so many different ingredients! If you’re interested in learning more about the author or the site’s mission, you can read our About Niki page. For any inquiries, feel free to contact us. We also encourage you to review our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.