Sizzling One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta Delight

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner option that your entire family will love? The One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is the perfect dish for those cozy evenings at home or during festive gatherings with loved ones. With its bold flavors, this dish brings the comfort of home cooking without fussing over a sink full of dishes. The inspiration behind this recipe comes from the desire to marry classic BBQ flavors with hearty pasta, creating an easy meal that satisfies on all fronts. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience that highlights unique flavors and effortless preparation.

This dish is especially appealing with its vibrant kick and sweet undertones, making it a lively addition to your meal rotation. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or just enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this meal can be readily adapted to suit your palate and dietary needs, ensuring it’s a hit every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is the epitome of convenience blended with sensational taste. It’s not just a dish; it’s a meal that brings people together. Imagine the sizzling sound of sausage cooking in a rich BBQ sauce while pasta cooks to perfection—all in one skillet! You’ll appreciate the minimal cleanup and the fact that you’ll only need to wield one pan for this entire meal.

This recipe stands out for its robust combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The honey balances the heat from the spices, creating a dish that is both exciting and comforting. Plus, it’s versatile; feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your mood or dietary restrictions!

What Does The Recipe Taste Like

Picture a warm bowl of pasta enveloped in a robust sauce, featuring a lovely char from the sausage. The honey adds a silky sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the spicy notes present throughout. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful fusion of smoky BBQ flavors, a hint of heat, and the hearty essence of sausage mixed with tender pasta. The sauce is rich but not overwhelming, making it perfect for pairing with a variety of sides or even enjoying on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage: The star of the dish, providing rich, savory flavors and a juicy texture.
• 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne works best): A perfect vessel to hold the sauce, adding heartiness to the meal.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce: This forms the base of our flavor, combining sweet, tangy, and smoky elements.
• 1/4 cup honey: Adds sweetness, balancing out the spiciness of the sausage and BBQ sauce.
• 1 bell pepper (diced): Adds crunch and freshness while enhancing the dish’s color.
• 1 medium onion (diced): A classic aromatic that contributes to the overall flavor profile.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): A must-have to deepen the flavor and add a touch of aromatic richness.
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes: For those who like an extra kick!
• 2 cups chicken broth: Helps to cook the pasta and infuse it with flavor.

Optional Additions

Get creative with your One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta! Here are some variations to consider:

• Crushed tomatoes: For a tomato-based sauce, add a can of crushed tomatoes to the mix.
• Fresh spinach: Stir in a couple of cups of fresh spinach right before serving for added nutrition.
• Different proteins: Swap the Italian sausage for chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage for a healthier option.

Special Garnishes

To add a finishing touch, consider these garnish options:

• Chopped green onions: For a hint of freshness and color.
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Melt over the pasta for creaminess.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley: A sprinkle of herbs elevates the presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta:

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break the sausage apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
2. Add Aromatics: Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4. Incorporate the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Mix in Spices: After cooking, taste the dish and add red pepper flakes or any additional seasoning as desired. Stir to mix thoroughly.
7. Finish Up: Remove from heat, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish it with your choice of fresh herbs or shredded cheese before serving.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is easily modifiable to reflect your taste or dietary preferences. You may switch up the sausage type (like turkey or spicy sausage) for a different flavor profile or use gluten-free pasta for a pasta alternative. Should you want more vegetables, add zucchini or mushrooms during the cooking process for an extra burst of nutrition and flavor. You can even create a creamy version by incorporating some heavy cream or cream cheese at the end—mix it into the finished dish for a luscious texture.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve your One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta hot from the skillet, providing a rustic feel to your meal. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Helpful Tips

• For enhanced flavor, consider cooking the sausage until it’s slightly crispy on the edges.
• Using a non-stick or cast-iron skillet will ensure your dish cooks evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes until it reduces to your liking.

Special Equipment

This recipe requires just a few pieces of kitchen equipment, making it very accessible:

• Large skillet or frying pan: Ideal for cooking and combining all ingredients in one vessel.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching the skillet’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise measurements to optimize flavors in the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini and penne work best, feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape. Just ensure that the pasta is similar in cooking time so that it finishes cooking with the sausage and sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and then reheat it before serving. Just remember to store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. The flavors may deepen as it rests, making it even more delicious!

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Of course! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or coleslaw. You could also serve it alongside grilled vegetables for a light contrast.

Conclusion

The One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta isn’t just another recipe; it creates lasting moments with loved ones around the dinner table. Its unique blend of flavors and straightforward preparation make it an enticing dish that anyone can appreciate. We hope you give this recipe a try, and we can’t wait to hear about your experiences! Whether you decide to stick to the original flavors or customize it to your liking, share your adaptations in the comments below. Let’s start a cooking journey together, exploring how food can connect us!

Sizzling OneSkillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Delight

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: souzanfood
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Experience a Sizzling OneSkillet meal with Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Perfect blend of flavors for a quick delicious dinner Enjoy

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb Italian sausage

12 oz pasta (rotini or penne)

1 cup BBQ sauce

1/4 cup honey

1 bell pepper (diced)

1 medium onion (diced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tsp red pepper flakes

2 cups chicken broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break the sausage apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes.

Pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

After cooking, taste the dish and add red pepper flakes or any additional seasoning as desired. Stir to mix thoroughly.

Remove from heat, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish it with your choice of fresh herbs or shredded cheese before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: One-skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500 calories
• Sugar: 8g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g