One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta

Save this recipe on:

This dish is the ultimate comfort food, all made in one skillet for easy cooking and cleanup. The hearty rotini pasta clings beautifully to the glossy honey BBQ sauce, ensuring every bite is rich with sweet, spicy, and smoky flavor. Thick, juicy slices of sausage caramelize slightly in the pan, creating crispy edges that contrast perfectly with the tender pasta.

What sets this meal apart is its perfect balance — a kick of heat from chili flakes and hot sauce, mellowed by the sweetness of honey and the tang of BBQ. It’s a bold, satisfying dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. If you’re after a dinner that delivers serious flavor with minimal fuss, this skillet meal might become a new favorite.

---

Ingredients for One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (spicy preferred)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: grated parmesan or chopped parsley for garnish

---

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until just shy of al dente (it will continue cooking in the skillet later). Drain and set aside.

---

Step 2: Sear the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the sliced sausage. Sear until the edges are browned and slightly crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.

---

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

---

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 2 minutes.

---

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. Let it simmer uncovered for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the pasta and thicken slightly.

---

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with grated parmesan or chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot right from the skillet.

---

Storage Instructions

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled pasta and sausage mixture into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the pasta and sauce changing when thawed. If you do freeze it, consume within 1 month and reheat gently to preserve flavor.

---

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 4 servings total)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 1180mg

Note: Values may vary depending on the specific brands of sausage and BBQ sauce used.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage or kielbasa provides the best flavor and texture. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, fusilli, or even shells will all work. Just ensure the pasta shape holds sauce well.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a medium heat level, but you can reduce the red pepper flakes or omit the hot sauce to dial it down.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What BBQ sauce is recommended?

Use a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce to complement the sweetness of the honey. Homemade or store-bought both work well.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini make great additions. Sauté them along with the onions.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Let the dish simmer uncovered a bit longer or add a tablespoon of tomato paste to increase thickness.

Is it possible to cook this without boiling the pasta separately?

Yes, add 2 cups of broth instead of 1 and cook the dry pasta directly in the skillet with the sauce. Simmer covered, stirring occasionally until tender.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: