You know those nights when you’re exhausted but still want something delicious? That’s exactly when my One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta saves the day! This dish comes together in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup – because let’s be honest, who wants to wash a mountain of pots after a long day? The sweet and spicy honey BBQ sauce clings to every bite of smoky sausage and tender pasta, creating that perfect comfort food vibe. I’ve been making this for years whenever I need a no-fuss meal that still packs a flavor punch. Trust me, your family will ask for seconds – mine always does!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed meal – all simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! The exact measurements matter here to get that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
- 12 oz smoked sausage (I use kielbasa), sliced into 1/4-inch coins
- 8 oz dried pasta (penne or rotini work best)
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce (my secret – use a brand with real honey!)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or whatever oil you’ve got)
- 2 cups water (this cooks the pasta perfectly)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that come together magically in one pan. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
Now for the fun part – let’s turn these simple ingredients into an amazing meal with just one skillet and about 20 minutes of your time. I promise it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
First, grab your large skillet – I use my trusty 12-inch cast iron, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do. Heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, then add those beautiful sausage coins. Listen for that satisfying sizzle! You’ll want to cook them for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they get those gorgeous golden edges. That browning equals flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Cook Pasta and Sauce
Here’s where the magic happens – dump in everything else at once! The dry pasta, water, honey BBQ sauce (that sticky goodness!), red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper all go in together. Give it a really good stir to make sure every piece of pasta gets coated in that sweet-spicy sauce. This helps prevent any sticking later on. I always scrape the bottom to loosen any delicious browned sausage bits too!
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Turn the heat up to bring it to a lively boil, then immediately reduce to low heat and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Set your timer for 12 minutes – this is when the pasta absorbs all those amazing flavors. Peek and stir occasionally to make sure nothing’s sticking. When time’s up, test a piece of pasta – it should be al dente but not mushy. Let it sit off heat for 2 minutes (patience!) to thicken the sauce slightly before serving.
Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
This recipe has been my go-to weeknight lifesaver for years, and here’s why it’ll become yours too:
- One pan, no fuss: From browning the sausage to cooking the pasta, everything happens in a single skillet (goodbye, mountain of dishes!)
- Sweet heat you control: The spice level is totally up to you – dial the red pepper flakes up or down to match your mood
- 20 minutes flat: Faster than waiting for pizza delivery, but tastes about a million times better
- Leftovers that actually hold up: The flavors get even better the next day – if you’re lucky enough to have any left!
Seriously, this dish checks all the boxes – easy, fast, delicious, and minimal cleanup. What’s not to love?
Tips for the Best One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to take it from good to “can I get this recipe?” amazing. Here are my must-know tips:
Play with the heat
That 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick, but don’t be afraid to adjust! For kids or spice-shy folks, start with just 1/4 teaspoon. Feeling bold? Crank it up to 3/4 teaspoon – the honey in the sauce balances it perfectly. I keep hot sauce on the table for my heat-loving husband to add extra at serving time.
Pasta picks matter
While penne and rotini are my go-tos, this recipe works with most short pastas. Fusilli holds sauce in its twists, farfalle looks pretty, and rigatoni’s tubes catch sausage bits beautifully. Just avoid long noodles like spaghetti – they don’t cook as evenly in this method. And whatever you use, don’t rinse it – that starchy coating helps the sauce cling!
Watch the clock
The 12-minute simmer is magic, but ovens vary. At 10 minutes, lift the lid and taste a piece – it should have a tiny bite left. Remember, it keeps cooking off the heat! If your pasta’s done early, take it off the burner immediately. Nothing’s sadder than mushy noodles (though I’ve eaten them anyway in desperation – we’ve all been there).
The golden water rule
If your pasta absorbs all the liquid too fast, add more water 1/4 cup at a time. But here’s my trick – use hot water from the tap to maintain the temperature. Cold water shocks everything and messes with the cooking time. I keep a measuring cup of hot water nearby just in case, especially when using whole wheat pasta which tends to drink more.
Variations for One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
Swap the sausage for spicy chorizo for a kick.
Use creamy Italian sausage pasta for inspiration if you want a richer, cream-based twist.
Add roasted veggies for more texture — similar to the veggie-packed tortellini with summer veggies.
If you love BBQ pasta, you might also enjoy the smoky comfort of BBQ chicken mac and cheese.
For another sausage-and-carb comfort dish, check out one-pan cheesy ranch potatoes and sausage.
Fans of pasta salads might like the flavor-packed protein-packed chicken ranch BLT pasta salad for a chilled alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This saucy pasta dish deserves simple sides – garlic bread for mopping up every last drop or a crisp green salad to cut the richness. One batch feeds 4 hungry people perfectly – or 2 with delicious leftovers for lunch tomorrow!
Storage & Reheating
Here’s the good news – this dish keeps like a dream! Just let it cool completely (about 30 minutes), then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days – though mine never lasts that long because someone always sneaks a midnight snack.
When you’re ready for round two, my favorite way to reheat is on the stovetop. Just splash in a tablespoon or two of water (this brings back that saucy texture), cover, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Takes about 5 minutes and tastes just-made!
Pro tip: If you’re packing this for lunch, store individual portions in microwave-safe containers with a damp paper towel on top. Heat for 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway. But between us? It’s crazy good cold too – I’ve been known to eat it straight from the container while standing in front of the fridge!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this tasty skillet meal – but remember, these are estimates that can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use (especially BBQ sauce varieties can differ wildly in sugar content!).
- Calories: 420 (a satisfying portion without being too heavy)
- Fat: 22g (7g saturated from that delicious sausage)
- Carbohydrates: 42g (12g sugars from the honey BBQ sauce)
- Protein: 16g (great protein boost from the sausage)
- Sodium: 980mg (use low-sodium sausage if watching salt intake)
- Fiber: 2g (whole wheat pasta bumps this up nicely)
A quick note if you’re tracking macros – this meal balances carbs and protein beautifully for an active lifestyle. I often add extra veggies to mine for more fiber and nutrients without many extra calories!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen sausage?
Definitely! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge first, or microwave briefly until sliceable. Frozen sausage won’t brown as nicely, but it’ll still taste delicious once cooked through with all those sauce flavors.
How can I make this milder?
Easy! Skip the red pepper flakes entirely and use mild BBQ sauce. The honey sweetness will still shine through without the heat. My toddler-approved version uses just 1/8 tsp paprika for color instead.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes – but use two skillets or cook in batches. Overcrowding prevents proper browning and even cooking. I often make a second batch right after the first if feeding a crowd (or for guaranteed leftovers!).
What if my pasta sticks?
No panic! Just stir more frequently and add 1/4 cup hot water if needed. Using a good non-stick pan helps, but even my worst stuck-on bits usually scrape up fine once saucy.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Cook completely, cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve! Just add a splash of water when reheating to bring back that saucy texture.
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
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One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and easy one-skillet meal with spicy honey BBQ sausage and pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook for 3 minutes until browned.
- Stir in pasta, water, honey BBQ sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
