One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta

A smoky, sweet, and spicy weeknight meal that’s ready in 30 minutes — all in one pan!

Introduction

If you’re craving comfort food with a kick, this One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Juicy smoked sausage slices mingle with tender pasta in a glossy honey BBQ sauce that’s equal parts bold, tangy, and crave-worthy. Everything cooks in one pan — no draining, no separate sauces — just layer upon layer of flavor.

Think of it as a cross between BBQ ribs and spicy mac & cheese — smoky from the sausage, sweet from the honey, and rich from that buttery sauce that clings to every bite. The best part? You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes, and cleanup is a breeze.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a cozy dinner that delivers big flavor with little effort, this one skillet meal hits every note: smoky, sweet, spicy, and seriously satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pan wonder: No need for multiple pots or strainers. Everything — pasta, sauce, sausage — cooks in the same skillet.
• Explosive flavor: A harmony of smoky sausage, sweet honey, tangy BBQ sauce, and chili heat.
• Quick & family-friendly: Dinner in 30 minutes that both kids and adults love.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice, use your favorite sausage, or add veggies like bell peppers or spinach.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds (andouille or kielbasa work beautifully)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1½ cups short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose a smoky or spicy blend)
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage.
   Heat olive oil or butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook 2–3 minutes until translucent, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Deglaze with broth and sauce.
   Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to combine, scraping any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Add the pasta and seasonings.
   Stir in the uncooked pasta, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Stir in sausage and cheese.
   Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir well, then mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
6. Garnish and serve.
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra pinch of chili flakes or BBQ drizzle before serving. Serve hot right from the skillet.

One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta

A bold and flavorful one-pan pasta featuring smoked sausage, honey BBQ sauce, and a spicy kick — ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 460

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta & Sauce

• 12 oz smoked sausage sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1.5 cups short pasta penne, rotini, or shells
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup BBQ sauce smoky or spicy
• 2 tbsp honey
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
• salt & pepper to taste
• 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Heat oil in a skillet and brown sausage slices for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion to the same pan and cook until translucent, then stir in garlic.
3. Add broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to deglaze the pan.
4. Add pasta, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
5. Stir in sausage and cheeses until creamy and well combined.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra heat, add chipotle powder or hot sauce. Great for meal prep — reheats beautifully.

Tips for Success

1. Choose your sausage wisely:
Andouille brings a spicy Cajun kick, while kielbasa adds a smoky-sweet balance. Turkey sausage works too for a lighter version.

2. Adjust the heat:
Not a fan of too much spice? Cut the chili flakes in half or use a milder BBQ sauce. Love the burn? Add a spoonful of hot sauce or chipotle powder.

3. Control the sauce consistency:
If the sauce feels too thick near the end, add a few tablespoons of broth or water. If it’s too thin, uncover the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes longer.

4. Cheese choices:
Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds creaminess, while Parmesan sharpens the flavor. You can even go smoky with gouda.

5. Garnish game strong:
A little chopped parsley or cilantro on top makes the dish pop visually and balances the sweetness with fresh flavor.

Flavor Profile: Sweet Meets Heat

What makes this dish irresistible is its perfect flavor harmony. The honey BBQ base adds sweetness and tang, while the sausage’s smokiness grounds the sauce with savory depth. Garlic and onions add warmth, and the chili flakes bring that satisfying tingle that keeps you coming back for more.

It’s bold, comforting, and a little addictive — the kind of pasta you’ll “taste test” five times before it ever hits the table.

Serving Suggestions

• With a side salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
• With garlic bread: Mop up that leftover sauce with buttery toasted bread.
• As a leftover lunch: The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day meal prep.
• With a cold drink: Pairs wonderfully with iced tea, light beer, or a citrusy mocktail.

Variations

• Veggie boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli during the simmer step for extra nutrition and color.
• Creamy version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end for a velvety finish.
• Tex-Mex twist: Use chipotle BBQ sauce and top with shredded cheddar and green onions.
• Sweet & smoky BBQ: Swap honey for maple syrup and use hickory BBQ sauce for a deeper flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or water until creamy again.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months in portioned containers; thaw overnight before reheating.

Fun Fact

Did you know honey and BBQ sauce have been paired for centuries? Early American settlers combined molasses and vinegar for early “barbecue glazes.” Adding honey to modern BBQ brings natural sweetness and a glossy finish — perfect for coating pasta and sausage alike.

Why It’s the Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Fast, flavorful, and family-approved, this One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta checks all the boxes:
✅ Minimal cleanup
✅ Bursting with bold flavor
✅ Ready in 30 minutes
✅ Great for leftovers

This is the kind of dinner that feels fancy without any fuss — just one skillet and a handful of pantry staples.