![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) 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 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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]. 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. 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. 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! {{image_2}} 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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!](https://savorystride.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/3417b746-2870-404b-8959-e56c3fc8d9c9-250x250.webp)
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!