One-Skillet Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta

$- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage - 1 cup corn - 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 medium onion - 1 bell pepper - 2 cloves garlic For this one-skillet honey BBQ sausage pasta, you need simple and tasty items. The penne pasta serves as the base. It cooks well and holds sauce nicely. The smoked sausage adds lots of flavor. You can slice it into rounds for easy eating. Corn gives sweet bites and nice color. When it comes to seasoning, the honey BBQ sauce is key. It adds a rich sweetness and tang. Smoked paprika brings a hint of warmth and depth. Together, they create a delightful sauce. The vegetables are just as important. A medium onion adds sweetness when cooked. The bell pepper gives more crunch and freshness. Garlic adds a lovely aroma and flavor that ties it all together. With these ingredients, you create a quick, hearty dish everyone will enjoy. {{ingredient_image_1}} Fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, which takes about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage. Sauté the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and heated through. After browning, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes until they are soft. Next, add the minced garlic and corn. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Pour in one cup of chicken broth to deglaze the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in half a cup of honey BBQ sauce and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Mix it all well. Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine. If needed, let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes. - Cook your penne pasta just until it is al dente. This keeps it firm and tasty. - Save a bit of pasta water after draining. It helps adjust the sauce later. - Try different types of sausage. Chicken, turkey, or spicy options all work. - Change the amount of BBQ sauce to match your taste. Add more for a stronger flavor. - A fresh side salad pairs nicely with this dish. It adds crunch and balance. - Serve with garlic bread for a comforting touch. The bread soaks up the sauce well. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the penne pasta just until al dente for the best texture. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables like bell peppers and corn when possible. They add more flavor and nutrition to your dish compared to frozen or canned options. Customize Your Sausage: Feel free to experiment with different types of smoked sausage, such as turkey or chicken sausage, for a lighter option or a variety of flavors. Garnish for Freshness: Adding freshly chopped parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of fresh flavor to the dish, balancing the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. {{image_2}} You can boost your dish with fresh veggies. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms add great taste. You can also swap in seasonal favorites. For summer, try fresh corn or diced tomatoes. In winter, use hearty greens like kale. Want something different? Chicken or turkey sausage works well too. They add a lighter touch. You can also use ground meat instead of sliced sausage. Ground beef, pork, or turkey will blend nicely. If you need gluten-free, swap penne pasta for a gluten-free type. Rice pasta or quinoa pasta are good choices. You can also try different sauces, like teriyaki, for a unique twist. This keeps the dish fun and flexible. After you enjoy your One-Skillet Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. It’s a great way to enjoy a quick meal later in the week! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze portions. Just put them in freezer-safe containers. One-skillet pasta stays good for up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat it in a skillet or microwave. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth. This helps keep the pasta moist and flavorful. Heat it until it’s warmed through. Enjoy that delicious taste once again! Yes, any pasta shape works well. I like penne for its fun shape. You can choose rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti if you prefer. The sauce clings to any pasta nicely. Smoked sausage adds flavor, but you can use other sausages too. Try chicken sausage for a lighter meal. Turkey or veggie sausages work well too. Just pick what you love! Yes, prepare the dish and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use. When you’re ready, just heat it up on the stove. It tastes great even after a day or two! You can make a quick homemade BBQ sauce or use a sweet chili sauce as a substitute. Mix ketchup with honey and a splash of vinegar for a tasty option. Get creative with flavors you enjoy! In this blog post, we covered how to make a tasty smoked sausage pasta dish. We explored the key ingredients, from the penne pasta to the honey BBQ sauce. I shared steps for cooking and tips for perfecting your meal. You can easily customize it with different veggies or proteins. Don't forget to store leftovers right to enjoy later. This dish is simple, fun, and satisfying. You can make it a family favorite in no time. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors!$

One-Skillet Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta

Discover this delicious One-Skillet Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta that's perfect for busy weeknights! This easy skillet meal combines smoked sausage, colorful veggies, and cheesy goodness into a quick dinner idea your family will love. With only one dish to clean, this One-Skillet Pasta Recipe is ideal for those who want flavorful cheesy pasta dishes without the hassle. Try it today and enjoy hassle-free cooking! #QuickDinnerIdeas #EasySkilletMeals #HoneyBBQSausagePasta #CheesyPastaDishes

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Ingredients

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and heated through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and corn; cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

Combine Ingredients: Return the sausage to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, allowing it to deglaze the bottom of the skillet as you scrape up any browned bits. Stir in the honey BBQ sauce and smoked paprika, mixing well.

Add the Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine all ingredients thoroughly. If needed, let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes.

Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy your delicious one-skillet meal!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings