If you’re in the mood for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dinner with just the right balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, you’ll love this One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta. It’s a weeknight wonder, marrying bold and comforting ingredients—all in one skillet! From juicy sausage and twirly rotini to a crave-worthy honey barbecue sauce, this dish is as easy as it is irresistible, and it’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple, no-fuss ingredients—each one brings something essential, whether it’s the satisfying chew of rotini, the full-bodied spice of sausage, or the sticky sweetness of honey. The beauty of this One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is in how these core players harmonize perfectly, without a complicated grocery list.

Rotini Pasta: These spiraled noodles trap the thick, flavorful sauce in every bite and are sturdy enough to stand up to the sausage.
Spicy Sausage (Andouille or Italian): Choose your favorite for a meaty backbone; the robust flavor is key for that classic spicy BBQ profile.
Olive Oil: A drizzle to brown the sausage and soften the garlic—they both soak up the flavors beautifully.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds aromatic depth and elevates the overall savoriness.
BBQ Sauce (smoky or honey-based): This is the soul of your sauce—pick a good quality one for the richest flavor and glossy coating.
Honey: A little extra drizzle sweetens the deal, giving a gorgeous sticky finish and balancing the spice.
Paprika: This adds earthy warmth and a little hint of color.
Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper: Adjust to your heat preference for a kick that enlivens every forkful!
Salt & Pepper: Keep it classic—season as you go and taste to get it just right.
Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish): A final flourish of herbal freshness and a pop of color before serving.

How to Make One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Toss in your rotini and let it bubble away until just al dente—the secret to pasta that stands up in the sauce. Drain it, but don’t forget to save a bit of that starchy cooking water for later—you might need it to loosen up the sauce if things get too thick.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced spicy sausage, letting each piece sizzle and caramelize. This step builds the savory backbone for the entire One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta. Be patient and give the sausage a good sear—it’ll add loads of flavor!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

With the sausage set aside, drop your minced garlic into the same skillet (a touch more oil if the pan looks dry). Gently stir for about a minute, just until golden and fragrant—don’t let it burn! This aromatic base is what takes the sauce from good to utterly mouthwatering.

Step 4: Whip Up the Sauce

Pour in your chosen smoky or honeyed BBQ sauce, add the honey, paprika, chili powder or cayenne, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well, letting everything bubble together for two or three minutes. The sauce should thicken a bit and fill your kitchen with a saucy, spicy-sweet aroma.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Return the browned sausage and drained rotini to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta gets beautifully coated and the sausage is swimming in that deeply flavored sauce. If it looks a little thick, splash in a tablespoon or two of pasta water until the consistency is just right.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and scatter a handful of chopped fresh parsley over your skillet. Now your One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is ready to be scooped up and devoured while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor. If you’re in the mood for a little more flair, shave some Parmesan on top or even toss on a few sliced green onions for a pop of color and bite. Don’t forget a little extra grind of black pepper right before serving!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it loves a simple side. Try a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or pair with warm, crusty bread for sopping up that last bit of spicy-sweet sauce. If you’re feeling extra, roasted veggies or corn on the cob are fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

To really wow your crowd, serve One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta right from the skillet at the table—it’s a rustic showstopper! Or, try loading small portions into ramekins for a party appetizer twist. You can even stash leftovers in tortillas for bold, saucy pasta wraps the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta, you’re in luck—it reheats beautifully! Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and stash in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to three days, making lunch or dinner the next day a total breeze.

Freezing

This recipe also freezes well. Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture, since that’ll help prevent the pasta from getting mushy.

Reheating

To reheat, simply toss your leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or a drizzle more BBQ sauce to loosen things up. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through for even warming. With either method, don’t forget to add a little fresh parsley after heating for a flavor boost!

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini is great for holding onto the sauce, but penne, fusilli, or even macaroni will work well in One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta. Use your favorite or what you have on hand—just cook it al dente for best results.

What’s the best sausage for this recipe?

Spicy Andouille gives lots of smoky heat, but hot Italian sausage is a great swap. If you prefer milder flavors, use a sweet Italian or mild chicken sausage and add more chili powder to taste.

Is this dish really spicy?

It packs a noticeable but balanced heat thanks to the sausage and chili powder or cayenne. If you want to amp it up, add more pepper or even diced jalapeños. To tame it down for the whole family, use a milder sausage and go easy on the spices.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite plant-based sausage and make sure your BBQ sauce is vegetarian. The One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta will still boast lots of flavor and hearty texture.

What BBQ sauce is best here?

Pick a smoky or honey-based sauce for depth and richness. If you have a favorite regional BBQ sauce, this is a great place to show it off—just make sure it’s thick enough to coat the pasta well.

Final Thoughts

One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta is everything I love in a comforting meal: big flavors, a touch of heat, and barely any cleanup. It’s the kind of dish that’s just as happy on a busy weeknight as it is at a casual gathering with friends. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

This One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage & Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines spicy sausage with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for a flavor-packed dish.

Ingredients

Rotini Pasta:

12 oz

Spicy Sausage (Andouille or Italian), sliced:

12 oz

Olive Oil:

1 tbsp

Garlic, minced:

3 cloves

BBQ Sauce (smoky or honey-based):

1 cup

Honey:

2 tbsp

Paprika:

1 tsp

Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste):

1/2 tsp

Salt & Pepper, to taste

Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish):

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and golden.
Make the Sauce: Add BBQ sauce, honey, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine and Toss: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything until the pasta and sausage are evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve hot. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauté, Simmer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 57g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: One-Skillet, Spicy, Honey, BBQ, Sausage, Pasta, Easy, Quick, Dinner