There’s nothing quite like diving into a skillet brimming with tender pasta, smoky sausage, and that perfect balance of sweet and spicy. This One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is exactly the kind of dish that takes you from scattered workday chaos to dinner table triumph in under 35 minutes. With just one pan to wash up and a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s a beginner-friendly recipe that still delivers on layers of flavor. Every juicy bite combines the richness of barbecue sauce with the gentle kick of hot sauce and the golden sweetness of honey, making this an ideal quick meal for busy evenings or casual weekend gatherings.
I remember the first time I whipped this up for a group of hungry friends—oodles of laughter filled the kitchen as that smoky sausage sizzled, the onions softened, and the garlic released its personality. By the time the pasta was al dente and bathed in a luscious BBQ-honey sauce, everyone was leaning in, spoons at the ready. It’s the kind of comfort food you want on rotation: lunch, dinner, potluck, leftovers for lunch the next day. At around 450 calories per serving, it manages to feel indulgent without tipping the scales, and the 10 minutes of prep plus 25 minutes of cooking time fits neatly into even the busiest week. Trust me, this easy one-skillet dinner is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ONE-SKILLET SPICY HONEY BBQ SAUSAGE & PASTA
Every ingredient in this dish plays a starring role, coming together in a harmonious dance of flavors and textures. From the silky olive oil that kick-starts the cooking process to the fresh parsley that adds a bright finish, each element contributes to the overall magic. Here’s why I choose these exact components:
- Olive Oil
Provides a smooth, fruity base for sautéing. It helps brown the sausage and tenderize the onions without smoking out the skillet.
- Smoked Sausage
Brings hearty, savory depth thanks to its robust smoky profile. Its natural fats render into the pan, building richness in the sauce.
- Onion
Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation when softened. The slight bite of raw onion transforms into mellow sweetness as it cooks.
- Garlic
Delivers pungent warmth and depth. Minced garlic blossoms quickly, infusing every spoonful with garlicky goodness.
- Barbecue Sauce
Supplies tangy, sweet, and smoky notes all at once. It’s the flavor backbone that ties the sausage and pasta together.
- Honey
Balances the tang and heat with a luscious sweetness. It helps form a glossy glaze around the pasta strands.
- Hot Sauce
Introduces a controlled kick of spice. You can dial it up or down to tailor each bite to your preference.
- Chicken Broth
Infuses savory umami and keeps the sauce silky. It helps the pasta cook directly in the skillet without drying out.
- Penne Pasta
Soaks up the sauce in its tubes, ensuring every morsel is coated. You can swap in fusilli or rigatoni for a fun twist.
- Water
Provides additional liquid for the pasta to cook properly. It prevents the sauce from becoming too thick during simmering.
- Salt and Pepper
Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors. A final sprinkle makes everything pop.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melts into gooey, cheesy pockets. It adds creamy, tangy richness just before serving.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley
Offers a bright, herbal finish. The fresh color and flavor cut through the richness.
HOW TO MAKE ONE-SKILLET SPICY HONEY BBQ SAUSAGE & PASTA
Ready to roll up your sleeves? This recipe streamlines cooking by handling everything—from browning to bubbling—in one pan. Follow these steps for a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to shimmer before adding any ingredients to ensure even cooking.
2. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook until each slice is golden-brown and crisp at the edges, about 4–5 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip them gently. Remove the sausage and set aside on a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step builds a sweet, aromatic base.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, letting its oils infuse into the pan without burning.
5. Stir in the barbecue sauce, honey, hot sauce, and chicken broth, ensuring everything is well combined into a smooth, vibrant sauce.
6. Add the penne pasta to the skillet, then pour in the water. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
8. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and gently stir to coat it in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover briefly and let the cheese melt for about 2 minutes.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot straight from the skillet.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ONE-SKILLET SPICY HONEY BBQ SAUSAGE & PASTA
Once you’ve got this dish on the table, it’s time to add those final touches that make every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating your family to something different, here are some ideas to elevate your mealtime:
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A handful of baby spinach, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes dressed in lemon helps balance the flavors perfectly.
- Pair with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices. The crunchy, buttery bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and adds a satisfying contrast in texture.
- Top each serving with a dollop of creamy sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing for a cooling effect. The dairy helps tame any extra heat and gives an indulgent twist.
- Offer a side of pickled jalapeños or banana peppers for guests who love extra tang and spice. The briny bite complements the honey BBQ sauce beautifully.
HOW TO STORE ONE-SKILLET SPICY HONEY BBQ SAUSAGE & PASTA
Got leftovers? No problem. This saucy sausage pasta holds up wonderfully in the fridge or freezer, making it a stellar candidate for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it tasting as fresh as the day you made it:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container. Let the dish cool completely before transferring. Stored properly, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Freeze in individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or chicken broth and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This revives the sauce’s silky texture.
- Refresh with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheddar after reheating to bring back that just-made vibrancy and presentation.
CONCLUSION
This One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta has everything you crave in an easy dinner: smoky sausage, sweet honey, tangy barbecue sauce, and a gentle sizzle of heat that lingers just enough to keep things lively. With just one pan, 10 minutes of prep, and 25 minutes of cooking, it’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent while keeping cleanup delightfully minimal. Beginner cooks will love how each step transforms simple ingredients into a harmonious, crowd-pleasing meal, and seasoned home chefs will appreciate how seamlessly it fits into busy schedules. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or looking for a fuss-free dish to feed a gathering, this recipe has you covered—no complicated techniques or hard-to-find items required.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later—you’ll want to revisit these flavors again and again. Below you’ll find a handy FAQ to troubleshoot any questions or give you ideas for tweaks and swaps. If you give this dish a whirl, please drop a comment or question—I love hearing how your version turns out! And if you need any help fine-tuning the spice level or making it even quicker, let me know. Your feedback helps me keep sharing recipes that feel like a friendly kitchen chat, and I can’t wait to see how you make this skillet your own. Enjoy every savory, sweet, spicy bite!
One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
Description
This one-skillet dish combines smoky sausage, zesty BBQ sauce, and a hint of sweetness from honey, all swirling together with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that satisfies.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
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Stir in the barbecue sauce, honey, hot sauce, and chicken broth, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
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Add the penne pasta to the skillet, and pour in the water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
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Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir gently to combine with the pasta.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt for about 2 minutes.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.
Note
- This dish can be made milder or spicier by adjusting the amount of hot sauce used.
- Using smoked sausage adds a depth of flavor but can be substituted with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- This is a great dish for meal prepping or serving at a casual gathering, since it reheats well.
