Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the sizzling sausage and fragrant onions in my pot, it hit me—dinner doesn’t always have to be a drawn-out affair. In just 30 minutes, this One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta comes together to create a comforting, creamy dish that will delight every taste bud at the table. Not only is it a quick meal solution ideal for busy weeknights, but its easy cleanup leaves you more time to sit back and enjoy your culinary masterpiece. Imagine your family digging into this smoky, cheesy delight, each bite packed with flavors that resonate like a warm hug. Are you ready to whip up something effortlessly delicious? Let’s dive into this recipe! Why Is This Pasta So Irresistible? Quick, Easy Cleanup: This one-pot wonder means fewer dishes to wash, allowing you to spend more time enjoying dinner with loved ones. Creamy Goodness: With cheddar cheese blending seamlessly into the sauce, each bite is a creamy delight that leaves you craving more. Smoky Flavor: The rich, smoky sausage and honey BBQ sauce create an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and warms your heart. Versatile Dish: Feel free to swap in turkey sausage or gluten-free pasta to tailor it perfectly to your dietary needs! You can even add veggies for an extra nutrient boost. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta not only quickens the cooking process but also satisfies those comfort food cravings effortlessly. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread, and you’re all set for a delightful meal! One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Ingredients For the Pasta • Smoked sausage – Provides a rich, smoky flavor; consider swapping for chicken sausage or plant-based alternatives for different dietary needs. • Pasta (penne or rotini) – Acts as the base, offering structure; opt for gluten-free pasta if you’re sensitive to gluten. • Chicken broth – Adds depth to the dish; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. For the Creamy Sauce • Heavy cream – Brings a luxurious creaminess to the sauce; substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. • Honey BBQ sauce – Imparts a sweet and tangy kick; opting for sugar-free BBQ sauce can create a lower-calorie meal. • Cheddar cheese (shredded) – Enhances creaminess and flavor; freshly shredded cheese melts better, or go for dairy-free cheese if needed. For Flavoring • Diced onions – Contributes aroma and flavor; shallots can be a milder substitute. • Olive oil – Used for sautéing to add healthy fats; avocado oil works as an alternative. • Garlic powder – Elevates the flavor profile; fresh garlic can provide a more vibrant taste. • Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste as you go. For Garnish • Chopped parsley (optional) – Adds a fresh touch and vibrant color to the final dish. This One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta is not only simple to make but combines rich flavors that your family will adore. Ready to bring this delicious recipe to your table? Let’s get cooking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Step 1: Cook Sausage and Onion In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 12 ounces of sliced smoked sausage and 1 diced onion, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and the onion is tender. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and to evenly caramelize the ingredients, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully. Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta Once the sausage and onions are cooked, pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup of honey BBQ sauce. Stir in 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta, along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, covering the pot and letting it cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauces. Step 3: Finish with Cheese After the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and each strand of pasta is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The final texture should be rich and inviting, signaling that your One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta is ready to be served. Step 4: Serve Ladle the delicious pasta into bowls while it’s still warm, and if desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness and color. This vibrant dish not only looks delightful but promises a flavor explosion with every bite. Your family will love this comforting and easy meal! One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Variations Feel free to get creative with this recipe and tailor it to your taste buds! Turkey Sausage: Swap smoked sausage for turkey sausage for a leaner option that still packs a flavorful punch. This substitution keeps the heartiness while reducing the fat content. Pasta Types: Switch up your pasta by using rigatoni or whole grain for a slightly different texture and additional nutrients. Whole grain not only adds a nutty flavor, but it may also enhance satiety! Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh spinach or bell peppers while simmering to incorporate more veggies into the dish. They add color and an extra layer of flavor, making your plate healthy and vibrant. Spicy Kick: Craving some heat? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier flavor profile that wakes up your taste buds. Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives for a creamy, plant-based version. This swap maintains the richness you crave while keeping the dish suitable for lactose-intolerant eaters. Sauce Variations: Experiment with sweet or spicy BBQ sauce based on your preferences. Sweet sauces offer a comforting taste, while spicy ones add an exciting zing to each bite. As you savor your pasta, consider pairing it with a refreshing side salad or some tasty garlic bread just like you would for a delightful meal of Pesto Caprese Pasta or French Onion Pasta Bake. This flexibility allows everyone to enjoy a customized experience! Make Ahead Options These One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta meals are a game-changer for busy cooks! You can prep the smoked sausage, diced onions, and even the garlic powder up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can measure out the pasta and combine the liquids (chicken broth, heavy cream, and honey BBQ sauce) and keep them covered in the fridge for seamless cooking. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the sausage and onions, add the prepped liquids and pasta, and follow through with the cooking steps as directed. This method ensures that your dish will taste just as delicious while saving you precious time on hectic weeknights! Expert Tips for One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Sausage Slicing: Ensure sausage is sliced evenly for uniform cooking. This helps to achieve that perfect crispiness all around. Cheese Choice: Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting quality. Pre-packaged cheese often contains anti-caking agents which can hinder smoothness. Pasta Type: If you opt for gluten-free pasta, check cooking times carefully, as they may differ from regular pasta. This helps maintain the dish’s creamy consistency. Flavor Boost: Want an extra kick? Consider adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dish for enhanced flavor without overpowering it. Reheating Tip: To keep your leftovers creamy, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or separated. Freezing Caution: Avoid freezing this dish. The cream-based sauce doesn’t hold up well during thawing, which could lead to an unappetizing texture. What to Serve with One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Pair your comforting dish with complementary sides that enhance the experience and bring everyone together at the table. Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up that creamy sauce, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture and aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully. Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and rich dressing offer a refreshing contrast, balancing the hearty pasta while adding a touch of elegance. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky, charred veggies such as bell peppers and zucchini complement the dish’s flavor profile while providing a healthy, colorful addition. Coleslaw: This crunchy, sweet-sour side adds a lively texture and flavor that cuts through the richness of the pasta, enhancing your meal. Macaroni Salad: For those who love extra cheesy goodness, a creamy macaroni salad offers a delightful twist to your dinner spread with nostalgia. Apple Crisp: For dessert, serve warm apple crisp; its sweetness and slight tartness elevate the meal, leaving your guests in sweet satisfaction. With these pairings, you’ll create a harmonious dining experience that celebrates comfort food without compromising on taste! How to Store and Freeze One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce may separate and affect texture upon thawing. Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess and warmth. Enjoy your One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta fresh for the best taste! One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Recipe FAQs What type of sausage works best for this recipe? Absolutely! Smoked sausage provides that rich, smoky flavor essential to this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken sausage works wonderfully too. For a plant-based twist, opt for veggie or tofu sausages to cater to dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. How should I store leftovers of the One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the dish fresh, make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up. This helps prevent moisture buildup, keeping your pasta at its best! Can I freeze this pasta dish? It’s best to avoid freezing the One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta. The cream-based sauce won’t hold up well when thawed, often resulting in an unpleasant texture. If you really want to freeze it, I recommend omitting the cream and adding it fresh when you reheat. What if I want to add vegetables to this dish? Very! Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them alongside the sausage and onions until they’re tender—this will infuse the pasta with extra goodness and make the dish even heartier. Is this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities? Definitely! You can substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free options like brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Just pay close attention to the cooking times, as gluten-free pastas can vary. This ensures you maintain that creamy texture and delicious flavor. Can I use a different type of broth? Yes, indeed! While chicken broth adds depth, you can easily swap it out for vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian-friendly version. The key is to choose a broth that you enjoy on its own, as it will enhance the overall flavor of the One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta. One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta for Easy Comfort Food This One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta is a quick comfort food that combines smoky flavors and creamy goodness in just 30 minutes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 620 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta12 ounces Smoked sausage Consider swapping for chicken sausage or plant-based alternatives.8 ounces Pasta (penne or rotini) Opt for gluten-free pasta if you're sensitive to gluten.3 cups Chicken broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.For the Creamy Sauce1 cup Heavy cream Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.1 cup Honey BBQ sauce Opting for sugar-free BBQ sauce can create a lower-calorie meal.1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) Freshly shredded cheese melts better, or go for dairy-free cheese if needed.For Flavoring1 Diced onions Shallots can be a milder substitute.2 tablespoons Olive oil Avocado oil works as an alternative.1 teaspoon Garlic powder Fresh garlic can provide a more vibrant taste.Salt and pepper Adjust to taste as you go.For GarnishChopped parsley (optional) Adds a fresh touch and vibrant color. Equipment Large pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 12 ounces of sliced smoked sausage and 1 diced onion, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until browned.Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup of honey BBQ sauce. Stir in 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover for about 10-12 minutes.Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best results, use freshly shredded cheese and check gluten-free pasta cooking times carefully. Avoid freezing the dish due to the cream-based sauce. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
