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
Scale
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.
