Name: One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 10 oz smoked sausage, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 tbsp honey; 12 oz penne pasta (or similar); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

There’s just something magical about comfort food that comes together in one pot. When I first tried this One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta, I was instantly hooked. The way the smoky sausage and tender chicken soak up the sweet, savory, and creamy sauce is downright irresistible. And the best part? It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup as easy as the cooking process.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want to meal prep something rich and satisfying, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s cozy enough for a cold night but simple enough to throw together on a busy weekday. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cream and sausage, while the penne pasta holds onto all that saucy goodness like a pro.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta

This dish brings the kind of hearty satisfaction we all crave after a long day. Here’s why I think it deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation:

One-pot simplicity means fewer dishes and more flavor as everything cooks together.
Balanced flavor: the smoky sausage, savory chicken, and honey-infused cream sauce strike a perfect balance.
Customizable: you can switch up the pasta, protein, or even add veggies without losing the essence of the dish.
Great for leftovers: it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Family-friendly: even picky eaters tend to love the creamy, slightly sweet, and peppery flavor combo.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta?

While this dish is shown with penne, which does a fantastic job at holding the creamy sauce in its ridges, you’re not limited to just one choice. Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle also work beautifully. They offer enough surface area and texture to catch the sauce and bits of chicken and sausage. If you’re in a pinch, even elbow macaroni or shells will do the job—just be mindful of cooking time adjustments. Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine can be used too, but they may need a bit more stirring to prevent clumping since they don’t sit as evenly in a pot.

Options for Substitutions

Want to tweak the recipe a bit? Totally doable. Here’s how to customize it to fit your taste or pantry:

Chicken breast → Swap with chicken thighs for extra tenderness or use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Smoked sausage → Try chorizo, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.
Honey → You can use maple syrup or a dash of brown sugar if you’re out of honey.
Heavy cream → Replace with half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
Chicken broth → Use vegetable broth or even beef broth for a richer twist.
Pasta → Gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta are both great substitutes.

The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is—you can adjust based on what you have without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients for This One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Every ingredient in this dish plays a delicious role, contributing to the rich, comforting flavor and silky texture. Let’s walk through what makes this pasta so irresistible:

Chicken breast – Lean and tender, this is the primary protein that soaks up all the creamy honey goodness.
Smoked sausage – Adds depth with its savory, slightly spicy flavor and a bit of smoky richness that balances the sweetness.
Chicken broth – Acts as the base liquid that cooks the pasta and infuses everything with savory flavor.
Heavy cream – This is what gives the sauce its luxurious, velvety texture. It blends beautifully with the honey.
Honey – The star ingredient that brings a subtle sweetness and enhances both the chicken and sausage.
Pasta (penne or similar) – A hearty shape that holds sauce well and cooks perfectly in the same pot.
Garlic – Brings an aromatic base and a gentle bite to the overall flavor.
Olive oil or butter – Used to sauté the meat and garlic, adding richness right from the start.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that heighten every other flavor.
Parmesan cheese – Melted in at the end, it thickens the sauce and adds a sharp, savory finish.
Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little kick, if you like your creamy pasta with a touch of heat.

Each ingredient works together to create a comforting, cohesive dish with layers of flavor in every bite.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken and Sausage

Start by heating a bit of olive oil or butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken breast first, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until lightly golden on the outside—about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Then, in the same pan, add your sliced smoked sausage and let it sear for a few minutes until browned and fragrant. This step builds a rich flavor base.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot (with all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom), reduce the heat to medium and add a little more oil or butter if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Add the Broth, Cream, and Honey

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the caramelized bits from the bottom. Then stir in the heavy cream and honey, mixing well to create a creamy, slightly sweet sauce base.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

Add your uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the sauce as it cooks, thickening it beautifully.

Step 5: Return the Chicken and Sausage

Once the pasta is almost al dente, return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer uncovered for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors fully blend and the sauce thicken further.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning

Turn off the heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust with salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. The sauce should be creamy, luscious, and clinging to the pasta just right.

How Long to Cook the One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta

This dish is a total time-saver. From start to finish, you’re looking at around 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Searing chicken and sausage: 6–8 minutes total
Sautéing garlic and building the sauce: 3–4 minutes
Cooking the pasta in the sauce: 12–15 minutes
Simmering with meat and finishing: 3–5 minutes

So in just half an hour, you’ve got a hot, comforting, and flavor-packed meal with almost no mess.

Tips for Perfect One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Making this dish isn’t hard, but a few simple tricks can help you really nail it:

Cut proteins evenly: Dice chicken into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly and quickly.
Sear meats separately: Browning the sausage and chicken separately adds richer layers of flavor to the final dish.
Don’t rush the simmer: Let the pasta cook gently so it absorbs flavor and doesn’t turn mushy.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and adds a stronger, more natural flavor than pre-shredded.
Adjust creaminess: If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is cooked, just add a splash more broth.
Stir often: Especially during pasta cooking—to avoid sticking at the bottom of the pot.
Finish off-heat: Letting the cheese melt into the sauce off the heat gives you the creamiest result.
Taste and tweak: The sweetness from the honey can vary, so adjust salt and pepper at the end to balance everything.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this pasta is pretty forgiving, a few slip-ups can affect the final dish. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcrowding the pan during searing – This causes the chicken or sausage to steam instead of brown. Cook them in batches if needed for that perfect caramelization.
Using too much honey – While honey adds charm, overdoing it can make the dish cloyingly sweet. Stick to the recipe and adjust after tasting.
Skipping the deglazing step – Those golden bits at the bottom of the pot? That’s flavor gold. Pouring in the broth and scraping them up is essential for depth.
Overcooking the pasta – Since it cooks in the sauce, keep an eye on it. Stir regularly and taste for doneness.
Adding cheese too early – Parmesan should be stirred in off-heat; adding it while boiling can cause it to clump or become grainy.
Not seasoning along the way – Taste at every stage to adjust salt and pepper. The sausage and broth already carry seasoning, so fine-tuning is key.
Using low-fat cream substitutes without thickening – If using milk or lighter dairy, consider a bit of flour or cornstarch slurry to avoid a watery sauce.
Forgetting to stir – Pasta can stick to the bottom, especially as the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to keep it silky and smooth.

What to Serve With One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta

This dish is super satisfying on its own, but pairing it with fresh or light sides can really round out the meal.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp lettuce mix with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the creamy pasta.

Garlic Bread

Golden, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Roasted Veggies

Try roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for a nutritious contrast.

Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus

Bright and tangy asparagus brings a pop of flavor that cuts through the richness of the pasta.

Warm Crusty Baguette

Another easy bread option for dipping or just serving on the side to make the meal feel extra hearty.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on skewers with a balsamic drizzle makes a light and elegant side.

Citrus Fruit Salad

A refreshing, palate-cleansing fruit bowl is a great finish after this savory main course.

Pickled Vegetables

The sharp acidity of quick-pickled onions or cucumbers is a perfect counterbalance to the creamy sweetness.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta are a blessing in disguise—they taste even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat like a pro:

Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but the cream may separate when reheated. If you choose to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Stir in a splash of broth or cream while reheating to bring it back to life.
Reheating: Warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts (1–2 minutes), stirring in between to avoid drying it out.

Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind, these numbers are approximations and will vary depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Here’s a general estimate for one serving (based on a 6-serving recipe):

Calories: 580–650 kcal
Protein: 32–35g
Fat: 30–35g
Saturated Fat: 14–16g
Carbohydrates: 45–50g
Sugar: 6–8g
Fiber: 2–3g
Sodium: 800–950mg
Cholesterol: 100–120mg

If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can reduce the cream or sausage and bulk up with vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

Smoked sausage works beautifully—it’s pre-cooked, flavorful, and easy to slice. You can use kielbasa, andouille for spice, or turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Can I use precooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just add it in during the final simmer to heat through without drying it out.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can swap in half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a plant-based cream alternative. Just keep in mind the sauce may be thinner, so stir in a little Parmesan or cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. It stores and reheats well. Just wait to stir in the cheese until you’re ready to serve if you’re making it in advance, to keep it creamy and smooth.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes, swap in spicy sausage, or drizzle a bit of hot honey on top before serving for a heat-sweet combo.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! The subtle sweetness from the honey and creamy texture make it very appealing to kids. Just tone down or skip the red pepper flakes.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Absolutely. Baby spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers all cook well in the same pot and make the dish even heartier and more nutritious.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?

Stir regularly while it simmers, especially during the first few minutes. Make sure there’s enough liquid to keep it moving as it absorbs the sauce.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta is everything I love about comfort food—simple, rich, and full of flavor. It’s a dish that satisfies cravings without requiring a sink full of dishes or hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and cozy, this recipe checks all the boxes.

From the first sizzle of sausage to the final swirl of creamy honeyed sauce, it’s a guaranteed hit. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner rotation.