Description
This One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining smoky sausages, sweet honey-infused BBQ sauce, and tender pasta. Made in a single pot, this recipe offers a convenient and comforting meal with layers of bold spices and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 sausages (Italian or smoked), sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
Spices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the sausages: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausages from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes, releasing their aromas.
- Cook bell pepper: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add liquids and honey: Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, stirring well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Season the mixture: Add smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir thoroughly to disperse the spices uniformly throughout the liquid base.
- Simmer and add pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
- Cook pasta covered: Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Return sausages to pot: Once the pasta is done, add the browned sausages back into the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Melt cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the pasta and sausage mixture. Cover the pot again and let it sit for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve the warm, cheesy, smoky pasta hot for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Use smoked or Italian sausages for the best flavor combination.
- Penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but any short pasta can work.
- Adjust the amount of honey depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note.
- This recipe works well with leftover cooked sausage too.