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- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced - 1 cup bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, green), sliced - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably honey BBQ) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Gathering the right ingredients is key to this dish. Start with 8 ounces of penne pasta. It cooks up firm and holds onto the sauce well. Next, grab 1 pound of smoked sausage. This adds rich flavor and a nice bite. I like to use a mix of bell peppers. Get 1 cup, sliced thin. Red, yellow, and green peppers brighten the dish. Then, slice a small red onion. It adds sweetness and depth. You’ll also need 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, cut in half. They pop with flavor when cooked. For the sauce, 1 cup of honey BBQ sauce is a must. It gives a sweet and tangy kick. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to cook the sausage. Also, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Finally, for garnishes, have fresh parsley on hand. It adds a fresh touch. If you like cheese, grab some grated Parmesan to sprinkle on top. These ingredients make this meal quick and tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boil 8 oz of penne pasta according to the package instructions. - Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 lb of sliced smoked sausage and sauté until browned, about 3-4 minutes. - Next, add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers and 1 small thinly sliced red onion. - Mix in 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. - Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes soften. - Pour in 1 cup of BBQ sauce, preferably honey BBQ, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Finally, toss in the drained penne pasta, mixing everything until well coated. Cook for an extra 1-2 minutes to let the flavors blend. - How to cook pasta al dente: To cook pasta al dente, boil water in a large pot. Add salt once it boils. Then add your penne pasta. Check the package for cooking times. Taste the pasta a minute before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. - Perfect sausage browning: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage. Let it cook without stirring for a minute. This helps it brown nicely. Stir it occasionally for even cooking. You want it crispy, which adds great flavor. - Additional spices: You can add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for depth. A dash of cumin can also bring warmth. Experiment with spices to find your perfect combo. - Options for a spicy kick: If you like heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can mix these in with the bell peppers for extra zing. Adjust to your taste for the right balance. - Creative garnishing ideas: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color. Grated Parmesan cheese brings richness. You can also use lemon zest for a refreshing touch. Mixing these garnishes makes the dish look inviting. - Serving suggestions with sides: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. Garlic bread complements the pasta well. You can also add roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This keeps the meal balanced and vibrant. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the penne pasta until it is al dente to ensure it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce. Customize Your Sausage: Feel free to use different types of smoked sausage, such as turkey or chicken, for a healthier option or a unique flavor twist. Add Extra Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the other veggies. Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to enhance the dish’s flavor and add a pop of color to your presentation. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sausage in this dish. Chicken or turkey sausage works great. These options are leaner but still tasty. You can also try vegetarian or vegan choices. Look for plant-based sausages made from soy or pea protein. They add flavor and texture. Penne pasta is a classic for this recipe, but feel free to explore. Fusilli, rotini, or even farfalle can add fun shapes to your meal. If you prefer gluten-free, there are many options. Look for gluten-free penne or other shapes made from rice or chickpeas. They cook well and taste great! While honey BBQ sauce is delicious, you can try different BBQ sauces. A smoky or spicy BBQ sauce can change the flavor. You can even make your own! Mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a little brown sugar for a homemade BBQ sauce. Adjust it to your taste for a unique twist. To store leftover Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. For reheating, add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce. This helps prevent it from drying out. Heat it until warm, stirring often. Check to make sure it's hot all the way through before serving. Yes, you can freeze this dish! It freezes well, making it great for meal prep. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick defrosting. Once thawed, reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of water or BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Enjoy your tasty meal later! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here’s how: - Cook the pasta and sausage mixture. - Let it cool and store it in an airtight container. - Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it moist. This dish pairs well with several side options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy contrast. - A fresh green salad for some crunch and color. - Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for added nutrients. These sides balance the flavors and make your meal complete. Cooking Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet takes about 30 minutes total. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time is around 10 minutes. - Cooking time is about 20 minutes. This quick meal is perfect for busy weeknights! This dish combines penne pasta, smoked sausage, and fresh vegetables. You sauté them and mix with honey BBQ sauce, making a tasty meal. Cooking tips help you with perfect textures and flavors. Don’t forget the variations to fit your diet. You can store leftovers easily or freeze them for later. Overall, this recipe is simple and fun. Give it a try, and enjoy!

Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet

A delicious and easy one-pan dish featuring penne pasta, smoked sausage, and a sweet BBQ sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, green), sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably honey BBQ)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • optional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until browned crispy.
  • Add the sliced bell peppers and red onion to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
  • Mix in the halved cherry tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
  • Pour the BBQ sauce over the sausage and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together until well coated with the BBQ sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Keyword BBQ, easy, pasta, sausage, skillet