One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta – Bold, Creamy, and Irresistible
When you crave something bold, creamy, and absolutely comforting — One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta delivers every time. This dish is an easy weeknight hero: smoky sausage, tender pasta, a sweet and spicy BBQ-honey sauce, and just enough cream to make everything luxuriously smooth. Best of all, it all cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze!
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy Tuesday night or entertaining friends who love big flavors, this recipe hits the perfect balance of sweet heat and savory depth. Let’s dive into the story, ingredients, and every delicious detail that makes this dish a FoodieMoms favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan magic: Everything cooks in the same skillet, so you’ll have minimal cleanup.
- Sweet, spicy, and creamy: The sauce combines the smoky tang of BBQ with honey’s natural sweetness and a kick of crushed red pepper.
- Hearty and filling: With sausage and pasta, this dish satisfies even the hungriest appetites.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap sausages, or use your favorite pasta shape — this recipe loves flexibility.
- Ready in 30 minutes: A comforting, restaurant-quality meal made right at home in half an hour.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup water
- ¾ cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the sausage:
In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic:
In the same pan, add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.
3. Add liquids and pasta:
Pour in the chicken broth, water, honey BBQ sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer until tender:
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Add sausage and cream:
Return the browned sausage to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
6. Season and garnish:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more red pepper flakes. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving hot.
One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, water, BBQ sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Add uncooked pasta, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 12–14 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until the sauce is creamy. Return sausage to skillet and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
1. Choose the right sausage:
Smoked sausage or andouille works best for this recipe because they bring that signature smoky-spicy flavor. For a milder version, use kielbasa or turkey sausage.
2. Adjust the spice level:
Love it hot? Add extra crushed red pepper or a drizzle of sriracha. Prefer it mild? Cut the spice in half and let the BBQ sauce’s sweetness shine.
3. Use quality BBQ sauce:
A tangy, smoky, or spicy honey BBQ sauce adds richness to the dish. Homemade or store-bought — both work!
4. One skillet means flavor layering:
Don’t rush each step. Browning the sausage builds flavor. Cooking the pasta in the sauce allows it to absorb every drop of seasoning, giving the dish an all-over punch.
Delicious Variations
- Creamy Chipotle Twist: Add 1 tsp chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce for a smoky heat and southwestern flair.
- Loaded Veggie Style: Toss in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese right before serving for a gooey finish.
- Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or whole-grain pasta if you want to lighten it up.
- Bacon Lovers Edition: Add crispy bacon bits for an even more savory-sweet combination.
What to Serve with It
This pasta dish shines on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A simple green salad with ranch or vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping.
- A refreshing iced tea or sparkling lemonade to balance the heat.
For a cozy family meal, serve it straight from the skillet to the table — it feels rustic and inviting!
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible — the stovetop keeps everything creamy and fresh.
Fun Fact
The combination of honey and BBQ has deep roots in American southern cooking — where pitmasters often balance heat and smoke with natural sweetness from molasses or honey. Pairing that tradition with pasta turns a classic flavor duo into something truly unique.
This one-skillet wonder proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its sweet-spicy kick and creamy finish, One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is bound to become a repeat favorite.
