Go Back

One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta

An incredibly flavorful one-pan meal featuring smoky sausage and pasta in a sweet, spicy, and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb smoked sausage sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1-2 jalapeños finely diced, seeds removed for less heat
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite kind
  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 8 oz short pasta e.g., rotini, penne
For Serving
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large, deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Add smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to release browned bits and bring to a boil.
  4. Stir in the dry pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  5. Turn off the heat. Stir in the cooked sausage and half of the cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish with remaining cheese and fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a milder dish, use one deseeded jalapeño and omit red pepper flakes. Shred your own cheese from a block for the best melt. If the sauce thickens too much before pasta is cooked, add a splash of broth or water.