Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet

$- 8 ounces rotini pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound smoked chicken sausage, sliced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 small red onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably honey-flavored) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach - Hot sauce for some heat - Different types of cheese, like pepper jack - Chopped green onions for garnish - Large skillet for cooking - Pot for boiling pasta - Cutting board for chopping - Sharp knife for slicing and dicing - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy - Wooden spoon for mixing Gathering these ingredients and tools makes cooking much easier. You can swap in options you like for a personal touch. Feel free to adjust this list based on what you have at home. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the rotini pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step keeps your pasta ready for the delicious mix ahead. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 pound of sliced smoked chicken sausage. Sauté the sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be browned and heated through. Next, add 1 diced bell pepper and 1 chopped small red onion to the skillet. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Then, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. This combo gives your pasta a sweet and tangy flavor. Pour this sauce over the sausage and vegetables in the skillet. Finally, add the cooked rotini pasta and 1 cup of corn kernels to the skillet. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and heated through for about 2 to 3 minutes. To get your pasta just right, cook the rotini until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions closely. After cooking, drain the pasta well. You can toss it with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking. Spices can really boost the taste of your dish. I love using smoked paprika in this recipe. It adds a nice depth. Black pepper gives a gentle kick. If you want more heat, try adding cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. These spices work well with the sweet BBQ sauce. For the best cheese melt, sprinkle it on the pasta right after you take the skillet off the heat. Cover the skillet for about a minute. This traps the steam and helps the cheese melt evenly. Cheddar or Monterey Jack are great choices because they melt beautifully. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the rotini pasta until just al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would work beautifully! Choose Quality BBQ Sauce: The flavor of your BBQ sauce will greatly impact the dish. Opt for a high-quality honey-flavored sauce for a sweet and smoky taste. Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh parsley! It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily switch the sausage type in this dish. Try turkey sausage for a leaner meal. If you prefer pork, that works too! Spicy sausage adds a kick. Choose what fits your taste best. Each type gives a different flavor, keeping it exciting. For a meat-free meal, use plant-based sausage. This keeps the texture and flavor similar. You can also skip the sausage entirely and add more veggies. Chickpeas or lentils are great protein sources. They make the dish filling and nutritious. Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms work well. You can also use frozen mixed veggies for convenience. Just make sure to cook them until tender. This allows you to create a unique version every time! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the pasta. Use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover it to keep moisture in. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. In a skillet, add a splash of water and heat over low heat. This keeps it from drying out. To freeze, portion the pasta in freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. The pasta can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it as mentioned. Enjoy your tasty meal! Yes, you can use regular BBQ sauce. The flavor will differ. Honey BBQ sauce adds sweetness. If you prefer less sweetness, regular BBQ works well. Just adjust your spices to balance the taste. You can use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Each type changes the texture slightly. Choose what you have on hand. Gluten-free pasta is a great option too. Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container. Reheat portions in the microwave for quick meals. To make it spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce. For more heat, include jalapeños or hot sauce. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick! In this post, we explored the key ingredients, steps, and tips for a delicious dish. You learned how to cook the pasta, sauté sausage, and make the honey BBQ sauce. I shared options for variations and storage to fit your needs. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so try these tips. Enjoy making your dish perfect each time. Happy cooking!$

Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet

A delicious and easy one-pan pasta dish featuring smoked chicken sausage, rotini pasta, and a sweet honey BBQ sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

8 ounces rotini pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound smoked chicken sausage, sliced
1 unit bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 small red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably honey-flavored)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
to taste unit fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked chicken sausage and sauté until browned and heated through (about 5–7 minutes).
Add the diced bell pepper and chopped red onion to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, ensuring it doesn't burn.
In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
Add the cooked rotini and corn kernels to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and heated through (about 2–3 minutes).
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover for a minute to allow the cheese to melt slightly.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.

Keyword BBQ, pasta, quick meal, sausage, skillet