One Pot Maple Honey Bbq Chicken Sausage Pasta

Looking for a dinner that’s sweet, smoky, and totally satisfying? This One Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta is the perfect balance of flavors. It’s everything you love in one dish—easy, flavorful, and packed with goodness.

The combination of maple, honey, and BBQ sauce gives this dish a sweet yet smoky kick. Add in juicy chicken, sausage, and pasta, and you’ve got a meal that hits all the right notes with minimal cleanup.

It’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-tender. The pasta soaks up the delicious maple honey BBQ sauce, and every bite has that perfect balance of sweet and savory. Plus, it’s made in just one pot!

Let me show you how simple it is to put this all together. One pot, tons of flavor, and dinner’s ready in no time. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold & Sweet: The mix of maple syrup, honey, and smoky BBQ sauce brings serious flavor depth.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot. Fewer dishes, more convenience.
• Family-Friendly: A great crowd-pleaser with cozy, comforting flavors kids and adults love.
• Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein, pasta, and creamy sauce—it’s a full meal in every bite.
• Versatile: Use any short pasta and switch up the sausage style to suit your taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings:
Serves 6 comfortably as a main dish.

Difficulty:
Simple to make. Ideal for weeknights, beginner-friendly but flavorful enough for experienced home cooks to enjoy.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (with lid)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheddar)

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to bring this savory-sweet one-pot pasta to life (see recipe card below for exact measurements):

Proteins:

• Cooked chicken – Shredded or diced. Great for leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
• Smoked sausage – Sliced thin. Adds smokiness and a savory chew.

Pasta:

• Penne or rotini – Short pasta shapes work best to soak up the sauce.

Liquids & Sauces:

• Chicken broth – Helps cook the pasta and adds flavor.
• Heavy cream – Brings creaminess and balances the BBQ tang.
• Maple syrup – A touch of sweet richness.
• BBQ sauce – Use your favorite brand for smoky depth.

Cheese:

• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce, making it creamy and cheesy.

Vegetables:

• Diced red onion – Adds sweetness and a mild bite.

Seasonings & Oil:

• Olive oil – For sautéing.
• Garlic powder – Subtle background flavor.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley – Adds color and freshness to the finished dish.

How to Make One Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta

1. Sauté the Sausage and Onion

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, until lightly browned.
Toss in the diced red onion and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2. Add Garlic Powder and Season

Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the seasoning.
Let the spices bloom in the oil for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.

3. Stir in the Pasta and Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, and heavy cream.
Stir to combine, then add the dry pasta directly into the pot.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover and simmer for about 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Add Cooked Chicken

Once the pasta is nearly al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed, stir in the cooked chicken.
Simmer uncovered for another 4–5 minutes so the chicken heats through and the sauce thickens.

5. Stir in the Cheese

Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and glossy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve One Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta

This creamy, smoky pasta is a full meal on its own—but here are a few serving ideas:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
• Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Veggies: Add some extra color and nutrition to your plate.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens after a day!

Reheat:
Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave-friendly too—just stir halfway through heating.

Freeze:
Freezing is possible but may slightly affect the creamy texture. If freezing, do so before adding the cheese. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently before stirring in fresh cheddar.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use pre-cooked chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken cuts down prep time.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Stir often and test a piece early. It should be tender but not mushy.
• Add the cheese at the end: This keeps it from separating or clumping.
• Use a good BBQ sauce: Your sauce choice impacts the entire flavor—go for one with smoky or sweet notes depending on your preference.
• Let it rest: Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens and coats every bite.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~520 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	42g
Sugars	10g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	12g
Sodium	840mg
Fiber	2g
Calcium	180mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes, short pasta like rigatoni or shells works well. Just adjust cook time based on the package.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, though the texture may be slightly less creamy.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure. Omit the chicken and sausage, and substitute with grilled vegetables or plant-based sausage.

How spicy is this dish?
It’s mildly sweet and smoky. If you like heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Conclusion

This One Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta brings together everything I love in a cozy dinner—big flavor, simple steps, and only one pot to clean. The balance of smoky, sweet, and creamy hits just right, and it’s flexible enough to tweak based on what you have in your fridge. It’s the kind of meal that disappears fast and becomes a weekly favorite.