If you’re craving a dinner that bursts with bold, irresistible flavors yet comes together quickly, the One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta Recipe is a total game-changer. This dish combines smoky sausage, a perfect balance of spicy and sweet from honey and BBQ sauce, and tender pasta all cooked in a single pan to save you time and dishes. It’s comfort food elevated with a little kick, making it a fantastic weeknight meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each component adds its unique touch—whether it’s the smoky depth from the sausage or the zing from the red pepper flakes—creating a harmonious mix of flavors and textures.
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into half-moons: The star of the dish, bringing smoky richness and savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to brown the sausage beautifully and prevents sticking.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives that wonderful aromatic punch you can’t resist.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Contributes a subtle sweetness and delightful color contrast.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Packs just the right amount of heat—adjust to your liking!
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: The soul of the recipe, lending smoky, tangy flavor with a touch of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the spice with mellow sweetness to make every bite crave-worthy.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): For those who like an extra spicy kick.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Keeps the pasta cooking evenly and infuses more flavor.
- 8 oz penne pasta: Or any pasta shape you prefer, perfect for soaking up all the saucy goodness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring out natural flavors.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a luscious finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color on top.
How to Make One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned on the edges—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This not only intensifies the flavor but also creates a nice texture contrast in each bite.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. Then stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for an additional minute until its fragrant aroma fills your kitchen. This combo builds the flavor base that makes the dish so comforting.
Step 3: Add Bell Pepper and Red Pepper Flakes
Time to introduce the diced red bell pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir occasionally, letting the pepper soften over 2 to 3 minutes while the spices release their heat. You’ll love the way these ingredients brighten the dish both visually and taste-wise!
Step 4: Stir in BBQ Sauce, Honey, and Hot Sauce
Pour in the barbecue sauce and honey, stirring well to marry their flavors. If you like it extra spicy, add the optional hot sauce now and give everything a good mix, coating the sausage and veggies in a luscious, sticky sauce that’s both sweet and spicy.
Step 5: Pour in Chicken Broth and Simmer
Slowly add the chicken broth and bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer. This step is essential as it hydrates the pasta and lets all those bold flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Add Pasta and Cook Covered
Submerge your penne pasta in the simmering sauce, ensuring it’s fully covered by the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the pan. Watch as the pasta transforms, soaking up the spicy honey BBQ flavors, becoming tender and delicious.
Step 7: Season and Add Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet again for 1 to 2 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly, creating a rich, gooey topping.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish things off by scattering chopped fresh parsley over the cheesy goodness. This final touch brightens the dish and adds inviting color that makes it nearly too pretty to eat.
How to Serve One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or even chopped green onions adds a lovely burst of freshness and makes the dish look vibrant and inviting. For a little extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a handful of crispy fried onions on top can be a fun twist.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are great for mopping up the delicious sauce, turning it into an even heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve in rustic cast iron skillets right at the table. Or scoop individual portions into bowls, sprinkle extra cheese or fresh herbs on top, and set out hot sauce alongside for each guest to customize their heat level. It’s as friendly to share as it is to savor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, cool the dish completely and place it in freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Just note that pasta texture might soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave single servings, covering to retain moisture and warming in 1-minute intervals until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap smoked sausage with kielbasa, Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage based on your preference. Just adjust cooking times to ensure it’s cooked through and nicely browned.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level is moderate and can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce. If you prefer mild, use less or omit the hot sauce entirely.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any pasta shape that holds sauce well like rotini, penne, or rigatoni works perfectly. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have barbecue sauce on hand?
You can substitute with a mixture of ketchup, a splash of vinegar, and a bit of brown sugar to mimic BBQ sauce flavors in a pinch, although the sauce really makes the dish shine.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use smoked seasoned tofu or a plant-based sausage alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it flavorful and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Trying the One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta Recipe is like inviting a burst of cozy, spicy comfort right into your kitchen. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough to share with family and friends. I promise once you taste that perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy with melty cheese and tender pasta, you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful one-skillet meal combining smoky sausage, spicy honey BBQ sauce, and tender pasta, perfect for a quick and hearty dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Sausage & Vegetables
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into half-moons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
Sauce & Pasta
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your preferred shape)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, to develop flavor and render some fat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until translucent, around 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Bell Pepper and Spices: Add the diced red bell pepper and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir occasionally until the pepper softens and the mixture is well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sauces: Stir in the barbecue sauce, honey, and hot sauce (if using). Mix well to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to heat through.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the skillet, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season to Taste: Once the pasta is cooked through, season the dish with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbaceous touch before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce.
- Substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Add extra cheese or fresh herbs for garnish to enhance the flavor and presentation.
