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An overhead shot of the spicy sausage pasta in a skillet, highlighting the creamy texture of the honey BBQ sauce.

Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

An easy, one-pan Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian sausage hot or mild, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 4 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 16 oz rigatoni or penne pasta uncooked
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Knife

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it's browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Let it simmer for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta, stir well, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Remove from the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your personal preference.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Pasta Water: If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out.