Easy One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta

Ingredients & Substitutions

Spicy Smoked Sausage: This is the star of the dish! If you’re looking for a milder option, feel free to use regular smoked sausage or chicken sausage. I enjoy using turkey sausage for a lighter meal.

Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great for holding sauce, but you can swap it for any pasta like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose!

BBQ Sauce: I recommend using your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or trying a homemade one for a personal touch. If you’re low on BBQ sauce, a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce can work in a pinch.

Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute if needed. The flavor may vary slightly, but it’ll still be tasty!

How Do I Get the Sausage Perfectly Browned?

A key to flavorful sausage is getting a good sear on it. Start with medium-high heat and give the sausage pieces enough space in the skillet so they can brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause steaming instead of browning.

• Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the sausage. This helps with that nice crispy texture.
• Cook for about 4-5 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through for even browning.

After browning, remember to remove it from the skillet before adding other ingredients. This allows you to build flavor without burning the sausage.

Easy One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 12 oz spicy smoked sausage, sliced into ½ inch pieces
• 8 oz rotini pasta (about 2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This quick and tasty dish can be ready in about 30 minutes! Expect about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking, making it perfect for a weeknight meal when you’re short on time.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausage:

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage pieces and cook them until they are nicely browned on both sides—this should take about 4-5 minutes. Once they’re browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion. Cook it for about 2 minutes until it softens. Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

3. Cook the Pasta:

Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the rotini pasta and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally. You want the pasta to cook until it’s almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed—this will take about 8-10 minutes. If it looks too dry before the pasta is done, just splash in a bit more broth or water.

4. Add the Sauces:

Once the pasta is at the right texture, mix in the BBQ sauce, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir well to make sure everything is coated nicely.

5. Combine with the Sausage:

Return the browned sausage slices to the skillet and give everything a gentle toss. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sausage is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly. You want it to be all mixed together and yummy!

6. Final Taste Test:

Give your dish a taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to make it just right for you.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Before diving in, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness! Now, enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal that’s all made in one skillet—cleaning up will be a breeze!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?

Absolutely! While spicy smoked sausage adds great flavor, you can use any type of sausage you prefer. Sweet Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage are all excellent alternatives. Just adjust the seasoning to suit your taste!

How Do I Make This Dish Less Spicy?

If you prefer a milder dish, simply use a regular smoked sausage instead of spicy. Additionally, you can omit the crushed red pepper flakes to keep the heat down even further!

Can I Substitute the Pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure your pasta is cooked to your liking.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems a bit dry.