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