Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the bold flavors of barbecue with the comforting essence of pasta. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I can assure you that this recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. The combination of spicy sausage, sweet honey, and tangy barbecue sauce creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, making it a favorite among family and friends.
This dish has roots in Southern cuisine, where barbecue is not just a cooking method but a way of life. The fusion of these elements in Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta not only pays homage to that tradition but also adds a modern twist that everyone can enjoy. People love this dish for its perfect balance of heat and sweetness, along with its creamy texture that coats each strand of pasta beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta, it will quickly become a staple in your home!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 1 pound of smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is where we’ll cook our pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- When the pasta is done, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside. I like to toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and heated through.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- If you’re using corn, add it to the skillet now. If it’s frozen, let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until heated through. If it’s fresh or canned, just a minute will do.
- Finally, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, just until they start to soften.
Making the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If it gets too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combining Everything
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- At this point, if you’re using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the pasta and stir until it melts into the dish. This adds a lovely creaminess and flavor.
- Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or even a bit more cayenne if you like it spicier!
Serving the Dish
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage and Reheating
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game. The combination of savory sausage, sweet honey, and a kick of spice creates a flavor explosion that is both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, or even swapping out the sausage for a plant-based alternative to cater to different dietary preferences. I encourage you to give this Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta a try and make it your own! Once you’ve tasted the delightful blend of flavors, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation! Let’s spread the love for this fantastic dish together. Happy cooking! Print
Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Comfort Food
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta combines smoky sausage, fresh vegetables, and a creamy BBQ sauce for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 pound of smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside, tossing it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and heated through.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the corn (if frozen, cook for 2-3 minutes; if fresh or canned, just a minute).
- Finally, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
- In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables, stirring to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
- If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the pasta and stir until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
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