Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet Easy Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that blends sweet and spicy, I have the perfect recipe for you—Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet! This easy one-pan meal packs bold flavors and comes together in no time. Imagine savory sausage, tender pasta, and a kick from honey BBQ sauce, all in a single skillet. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe and make dinner exciting again!

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

To make Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet, gather the following ingredients:

– 8 oz penne pasta

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Optional Garnishes

You can add a few garnishes to make your dish shine even more:

– Chopped fresh parsley

– Grated Parmesan cheese

– Extra crushed red pepper flakes for spice

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to swap out any ingredients, here are some great options:

– Pasta: Use any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli or rotini.

– Sausage: You can use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.

– Bell Pepper: Any color works, or you can skip it entirely.

– Corn: Use black beans instead for a different flavor.

– BBQ Sauce: Any favorite sauce can replace BBQ sauce.

– Honey: Maple syrup can be a great alternative for sweetness.

For the full recipe, be sure to check out the instructions and enjoy cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of penne pasta once the water boils. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want the pasta to be al dente, or slightly firm. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Preparing the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 lb of spicy Italian sausage. Remove the casings before adding it to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it is browned and no longer pink. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

Sautéing the Vegetables

Next, add 1 medium diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want the vegetables to become soft. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells great.

Combining the Flavors

Now, it’s time to bring in the fun flavors. Stir in 1 cup of corn kernels and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Then, add 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons of honey. Don’t forget the 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat! Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Final Assembly of the Dish

Finally, toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet. Mix until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Taste it and season with salt and pepper as needed. When ready, remove it from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve this tasty dish hot and enjoy!

For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Perfect Pasta

To get the best pasta, use a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. The salt makes the pasta tasty. Cook the penne until it is al dente, which means firm but not hard. Drain it well, but save a bit of pasta water. This water helps to bind sauces.

Enhancing Flavor Options

You can change the flavors in this dish. Try adding some chopped spinach for color and nutrition. You can also add jalapeños for more heat. If you want a smoky taste, try smoked paprika. For a touch of sweetness, add more honey. Experimenting with spices can make this dish your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pasta hot right from the skillet. Top it with fresh parsley for a pop of color. If you love cheese, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. For a crispy touch, serve it with garlic bread. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, too. Enjoy this meal with family or friends for a fun dinner!

Variations

Vegetarian Version

You can make a great vegetarian version of this dish. Swap the sausage for a plant-based option. Use lentils or chickpeas for protein. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These will add flavor and texture. The BBQ sauce and honey will still make it taste amazing!

Spicy Adjustments

If you love heat, you can add more spice. Use extra crushed red pepper flakes in the mix. You can also add fresh jalapeños for a kick. For a smoky flavor, try chipotle sauce. Adjust the honey based on your spice level. This will balance the heat and sweetness.

Alternative Sauces

You can switch up the sauce to match your taste. Try using teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. If you want a creamy texture, mix in some Alfredo sauce. For a tangy flavor, barbecue sauce with added mustard works well. These options keep the dish fresh and fun!

For the complete cooking details, check out the Full Recipe.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. This will help keep the flavors intact.

Reheating Instructions

When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Heat it gently over low heat until warm. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm it evenly.

Freezing for Future Meals

You can freeze this dish for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. It stays good for about three months. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy a quick meal anytime!

For the full recipe, check out the Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet recipe.

FAQs

What is the best type of sausage to use?

I recommend using spicy Italian sausage. It adds great flavor and heat. You can also try chicken sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer mild sausage, that works too. Just adjust the spices later.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and sausage, then store them separately. This way, you keep the pasta from getting mushy. When ready to serve, reheat and combine them. It saves time on busy nights!

How can I make it less spicy?

To tone down the heat, use mild Italian sausage. Skip the crushed red pepper flakes or add less than the recipe states. You can also balance spice with extra honey or BBQ sauce. This will give sweetness without heat.

What can I serve alongside this pasta?

This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You could also serve it with steamed veggies for a healthy touch. Another option is to enjoy it with a light wine, like white or rosé. For the full recipe, check the recipe section.

This post covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and handy tips for your dish. We explored variations and effective storage methods. Remember, great meals start with fresh ingredients and simple steps. Experiment with flavors and make it your own. With these tips, you can create a meal that’s both fun to cook and delicious to eat. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to share your creations!

Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet

Indulge in a delicious Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet that's sure to impress! This quick and easy recipe combines spicy Italian sausage, fresh veggies, and a sweet BBQ sauce for a dish packed with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's ready in just 25 minutes. Don't miss this chance to create a flavorful meal that you and your family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and satisfy your cravings!

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Ingredients

  

8 oz penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup BBQ sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for around 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients: Stir in the corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, BBQ sauce, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and let it all simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Add the Pasta: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, mixing everything until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4