One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
This One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is a quick, bold, and satisfying meal made with simple pantry ingredients. Spicy sausage is browned until caramelized, then tossed with tender pasta in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want big flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
-
12 oz rotini pasta (gluten-free if needed)
-
12 oz spicy sausage (Andouille or spicy Italian), sliced
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or honey-based)
-
2 tablespoons honey
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside. -
Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. -
Make the Sauce
Add BBQ sauce, honey, paprika, chili powder or cayenne, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Combine Everything
Return the sausage to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. -
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
-
Balance the heat: Start with less chili powder and add more if needed.
-
Extra smoky flavor: Use a hickory or mesquite BBQ sauce.
-
Make it creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
-
Add vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, or spinach pair well with the sauce.
-
Leftovers: Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.