Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta Skillet
This Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta Skillet is a sweet, smoky, and savory one-pan wonder perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta of choice penne, rotini, or rigatoni
- 1 pound chicken sausage sliced, pre-cooked or fresh
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing the sausage and veggies
- 1 bell pepper diced, red, yellow, or orange
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce alcohol-free variety recommended
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces of your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish freezes well; cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Use turkey or plant-based sausage as alternatives for different dietary needs.
- Adjust sweetness or smokiness by varying the amount of honey or smoked paprika.