One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta – Sweet, Smoky, and Comforting in Every Bite

There’s something truly satisfying about a meal that brings big, bold flavors together in one skillet. This One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is exactly that — a sweet, smoky, spicy symphony that delivers comfort food with flair. It’s the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, bubbling sauce, and the irresistible smell of sizzling sausage.

This dish is a weeknight hero — easy, quick, and made entirely in one pan for minimal cleanup. The smoky sausage and honey BBQ sauce come together in a perfectly sticky, savory glaze that clings to every piece of pasta. Add a hint of spice from chili flakes, and you’ve got a dinner that’s as exciting as it is comforting.

I first made this dish on a busy Tuesday evening when time was short but I was craving something indulgent. I tossed together what I had on hand: smoked sausage, BBQ sauce, a drizzle of honey, and pasta. By the time it was done, the sauce had caramelized into this glossy, rich coating that made every bite unforgettable. That moment — spoon in hand, hovering over the skillet — was when I knew this recipe would become a permanent part of my dinner rotation.

If you love one-pan wonders that balance sweet, spicy, and savory all at once, this is the meal for you.

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Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 14 ounces smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into rounds
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups short pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for topping)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine, then add the pasta. Bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer until pasta is tender: Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has reduced to a thick sauce.
5. Add sausage and cream: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and chili flakes. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and creamy.
6. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra honey for sweetness. Garnish with parsley and shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

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Tips & Tricks

• For more heat, use spicy andouille sausage or add a touch of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Choose a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce — it balances perfectly with the honey’s sweetness.
• If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
• Don’t skip browning the sausage — those caramelized bits at the bottom of the pan add incredible depth of flavor.

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Variations

• Veggie Add-In: Add bell peppers or corn for extra color and crunch.
• Cheesy Bake: Top the skillet with shredded cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Lighter Option: Use turkey sausage and omit the cream for a lighter, tangy BBQ-style pasta.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for an extra-luxurious sauce.

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Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For casual gatherings, serve it straight from the skillet family-style — it’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast. A cold glass of lemonade or iced tea complements its sweet-spicy profile beautifully.

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Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore the saucy texture.
To freeze, cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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FAQ
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells work best for catching the sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely — omit the cream and replace it with a bit of non-dairy milk or extra BBQ sauce.

Can I use a different protein?
Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be used instead of sausage. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and makes great leftovers.

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History / Fun Facts
The combination of BBQ sauce and pasta might sound unconventional, but it’s deeply rooted in American fusion cooking — a blend of smoky Southern BBQ flavors with the comforting heartiness of Italian-style pasta. Dishes like this became popular in the early 2000s as home cooks began experimenting with pantry staples and one-pan meals.

Smoked sausage, long a staple of Southern kitchens, adds that perfect balance of salt and savoriness, while honey and BBQ sauce create a glaze that coats each bite of pasta. The result? A uniquely satisfying meal that’s both familiar and fresh — a little sweet, a little spicy, and absolutely irresistible.