Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together a variety of flavors and textures in a single skillet. The smoky sausage, sweet honey BBQ sauce, and spicy kick create a well-balanced meal that is both comforting and bold. The addition of fresh vegetables like bell pepper and corn not only adds color and crunch but also nutritional value. Plus, the one-skillet method ensures easy cleanup, making it perfect for a busy evening.
Ingredients
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1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
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12 oz penne pasta
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup BBQ sauce
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½ cup honey
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1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Chopped parsley (optional)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the sausage is browned.
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Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Add the uncooked pasta and stir well.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in corn kernels and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Different Sausage: You can swap smoked sausage for andouille for extra heat or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
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Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients.
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Spicier Version: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy BBQ sauce to turn up the heat.
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Sweetness Adjustments: Increase honey for a sweeter flavor or use a sugar substitute.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the dish seems dry.
FAQs
How do I avoid overcooking the pasta?
Stir occasionally while simmering and check for doneness to prevent mushy pasta.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best for this recipe as they hold the sauce well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare it in advance, but it's best to store the sauce and pasta separately if you plan to reheat it later.
What type of sausage should I use?
Smoked sausage is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use andouille for a spicier dish or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or opt for a spicier BBQ sauce to ramp up the heat.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly in this dish.
How do I make sure the pasta doesn't stick?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers, and be sure the heat is low enough to avoid overcooking.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Garlic bread, a Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw complement the flavors of this dish.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Consider adding smoked paprika for extra depth or adjusting the garlic and seasoning to your taste.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With smoky sausage, sweet honey BBQ sauce, and tender pasta, it’s a delicious dish that can be customized to your taste. It’s quick, simple, and guaranteed to satisfy.
One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
This One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring smoky sausage, sweet honey BBQ sauce, and tender pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful meal combines savory, spicy, and sweet notes for a satisfying dinner. With its simple one-skillet preparation, cleanup is a breeze, and the addition of fresh vegetables like bell pepper and corn makes it both tasty and nutritious. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty dish is a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet/One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
12 oz penne pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup BBQ sauce
½ cup honey
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the sausage is browned.
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Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Add the uncooked pasta and stir well.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in corn kernels and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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You can swap smoked sausage for andouille for extra heat or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
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Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.
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To spice it up, add red pepper flakes or a spicier BBQ sauce.
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Increase honey for a sweeter taste or use a sugar substitute.
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