One Pot Bold Honey Bbq Sausage Pasta

So, I was craving something bold, cheesy, and easy. You know, one of those toss-it-all-in-a-pot kind of meals. That’s how this honey BBQ sausage pasta came to life—and oh wow, it’s a keeper.

It’s smoky, sweet, and loaded with juicy sausage and tender pasta. The honey BBQ sauce hugs every bite with flavor. And the best part? One pot, zero stress, full flavor.

This is my go-to when I want something fast and comforting. It’s hearty enough for dinner but tasty enough to crave all over again. Even picky eaters go back for seconds.

If your skillet’s calling and your taste buds are bored—this pasta’s your answer. Let’s make dinner bold, saucy, and super simple. Ready to dive in?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet Meets Smoky: The honey BBQ sauce adds a rich, bold flavor that coats every bite perfectly.
• One Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor. Everything cooks in one pan from start to finish.
• Satisfying Comfort Food: The mix of sausage, cheese, and pasta makes it hearty and filling.
• Customizable: You can switch the pasta, cheese, or even add veggies like bell peppers or corn.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t say no to this saucy, cheesy dinner.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: Serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size.

Difficulty: Easy. Great for beginner cooks who want big flavor without fuss.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (12-inch or more)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this smoky-sweet pasta dish together:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into coins
• 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup honey BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup diced onions

For Cooking:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish (Optional):

Chopped parsley, for color and a touch of freshness

How to Make One Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Sausage and Onions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced sausage and diced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage starts to brown and the onions become soft—about 5 to 6 minutes.

2. Add Garlic Powder and Seasonings

Sprinkle in the garlic powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat the sausage and onions evenly with the spices.

3. Pour in the Liquids

Add 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and ¾ cup of honey BBQ sauce. Stir well to combine. The mixture should be rich and slightly thick, with a smoky-sweet aroma.

4. Add the Pasta

Stir in the dry pasta. Make sure it’s submerged as much as possible in the liquid.
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has soaked up most of the liquid.

5. Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the lid.
Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

6. Finish and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Turn off the heat and let the dish sit for 5 minutes to thicken further.
Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color, if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce with the BBQ sauce.
• Add Veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or spinach make great add-ins. Just toss them in with the sausage and onions.
• Try a Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or a smoked gouda for a new flavor twist.
• Use Turkey Sausage: Lighten it up with turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork.

How to Serve One Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta

This dish is bold, rich, and saucy—perfect on its own. But if you want to round out the meal, here are a few serving suggestions:

• With Bread: Serve it alongside warm garlic bread or a soft dinner roll to soak up the sauce.
• Add a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette helps balance the richness.
• For the Kids: Skip the garnish and serve with a small bowl of fruit. It’s a hit every time.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
You can freeze the pasta (without garnish) for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.

Reheat:
Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the sauce. Or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Stir the Pasta Occasionally: This helps it cook evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy as it sits in the sauce.
• Use Good BBQ Sauce: The flavor of your sauce makes a big difference. Choose one you love!
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheddar.
• Let It Rest: Allow the pasta to sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken up perfectly.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimate per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	590
Protein	23g
Carbohydrates	47g
Fat	34g
Saturated Fat	15g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	930mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	11g

(Note: Nutrition may vary depending on brand of ingredients used.)

One Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or elbow macaroni will work.

Is there a dairy-free version?
Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I prep this ahead?
You can cook the sausage and chop the onions ahead of time. Assemble and cook fresh when ready.

Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce with the BBQ sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a cozy, saucy dinner that brings serious flavor without a ton of cleanup, this One Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta is the move. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast and keeps them coming back for seconds.