One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is a delicious and easy recipe that brings together the bold flavors of smoked sausage and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish cooks all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. With a hint of sweetness from honey and a bit of spice, it’s a meal the whole family will love.

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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for many reasons. First, it’s simple and quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes. Second, it uses just one skillet, which means less cleanup for you. If you are looking for a meal that is both satisfying and bursting with flavor, this dish is an excellent choice. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to customize the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste.
How to Make One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 14 oz (400g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and diced onion, cooking until the onion is translucent and the sausage is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the pasta and enough water according to package instructions to cook it.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce and honey, mixing well to combine.
- Cover and let simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
Serve this flavorful dish hot, right from the skillet. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. If you like a little kick, feel free to add some red pepper flakes for extra spice.
How to Store One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Tips to Make One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
- Use your favorite type of pasta for this recipe. Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta work well.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on your preferred sweetness.
- For a healthier option, try adding some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach while cooking the sausage and onions.
Variation
You can make this dish with different types of sausage, such as chicken or turkey, for a lighter version. Additionally, you can substitute BBQ sauce with a homemade version or switch to a different sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Just heat it up before serving.
2. What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can make a quick substitute using tomato sauce mixed with vinegar, sugar, and spices.
3. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Just substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter For cooking
- 14 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 8 oz pasta (your choice) Penne, rotini, or bowtie work well
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey Adjust based on preferred sweetness
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and diced onion, cooking until the onion is translucent and the sausage is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the pasta and enough water according to package instructions to cook it.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce and honey, mixing well to combine.
- Cover and let simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.