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- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 pound spicy Italian sausage - 1 red bell pepper - 1 yellow onion - 3 cloves garlic - 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce - Spices and seasonings When making Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta, you need a few key items. First, you will need 8 ounces of penne pasta. This pasta holds onto sauce well, making every bite flavorful. Next, grab 1 pound of spicy Italian sausage. The sausage adds a nice kick to the dish. Next, we have fresh vegetables. You should have 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced yellow onion, and 3 minced cloves of garlic. The onions and peppers add sweetness, while the garlic brings a strong aroma. Now, let’s talk about the sauce. You need 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes. This forms the base of our sauce. Then, add 1/2 cup of honey for sweetness, and 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to bring depth. Don't forget spices! You can use salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes for extra heat. These ingredients combine to create a dish that is rich, spicy, and sweet. You will enjoy every bite of this delightful meal! To start, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once it boils, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Now, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of spicy Italian sausage. Remove the casings from the sausage first. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook it until it is browned and no longer pink, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. You want to soften these vegetables. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender. Then, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute until you smell that great garlic aroma. Now it’s time to make the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup of honey, and 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for heat. Mix everything well. Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired thickness. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Finally, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is well coated. Cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated. Serve the pasta warm. For a nice touch, garnish with chopped parsley and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. To adjust the spice level, start with the red pepper flakes. If you love heat, add more! For a milder dish, cut back on the flakes. You can also swap spicy sausage for mild sausage. This gives you control over the flavor while keeping it delicious. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for color and taste. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy touch. For sides, try garlic bread or a fresh salad. These pair well and enhance the meal's flavors. To brown the sausage, use medium heat. This helps render the fat and gets a nice crust. Break it apart with a wooden spoon for even cooking. When sautéing vegetables, add them to the skillet in stages. Start with onions and peppers, then add garlic last. This way, the garlic stays fragrant and doesn't burn. {{image_2}} You can swap the spicy sausage for chicken. Chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Cook them until tender and cut into bite-sized pieces. For plant-based options, try using lentils or chickpeas. They add protein and flavor while keeping it meat-free. Penne is great, but you can use other pasta types too. Fusilli or rotini holds the sauce well. You can even try spaghetti for a fun twist. Just cook it al dente, so it mixes nicely with the sauce. To boost flavor, add in spinach or kale. These greens give a nice color and nutrition. Mushrooms can add a rich taste, too. For sauces, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. After enjoying your Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta, let any leftovers cool. You can cool them in the skillet for a few minutes. Then, transfer the pasta to an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, use a skillet for reheating. Add a splash of water to the pasta to keep it moist. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze your Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta, let it cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label each container with the date. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. Yes, you can make this pasta dish ahead of time. To prep, cook the pasta and sauce. Cool them separately. Store them in airtight containers. This way, you can reheat them later. When you’re ready, just combine them on the stove. Add a splash of water to help the sauce loosen up. This makes meal prep easy and quick. If you want to swap honey, you have a few options. Maple syrup works great for a sweet touch. Brown sugar is another choice, adding a rich flavor. Agave nectar can also replace honey. Each sweetener will change the taste a bit, but they all work well. Yes, you can make a vegetarian version. Use plant-based sausage instead of spicy Italian sausage. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. This keeps the dish tasty and filling. Don’t forget to check the BBQ sauce for vegetarian options. Adjusting the spice level is simple. Start with less red pepper flakes if you want less heat. You can always add more later as it cooks. For extra heat, try a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. We explored how to make Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta step by step. You learned about key ingredients, cooking methods, and flavorful variations. Adjusting spice and adding your favorite veggies can make this dish your own. Store leftovers correctly to enjoy later, or freeze for quick meals. This pasta is easy to make ahead and offers plenty of tasty options. Dive into this recipe, and savor every bite!

Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta

Dive into the delicious world of Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta with this easy and flavorful recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines zesty sausage, colorful veggies, and a sweet and tangy sauce that will leave you craving more. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great way to impress your family or guests. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your dinner unforgettable!

Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup canned crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the spicy sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

      Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

        Create the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

            Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4