Sizzling Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Pasta Recipe to Wow Friends

Crafting a mouthwatering sweet and tangy bbq sausage pasta recipe promises pure culinary excitement for dinner tonight.

Smoky flavors dance alongside tender pasta, creating a delightful meal that satisfies every craving.

Hearty sausage chunks blend seamlessly with a rich, zesty sauce that makes taste buds sing.

Simple ingredients come together in under thirty minutes, making this dish perfect for busy evenings.

Comfort meets creativity on your plate with each delectable forkful.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade that you’ll want to make again and again.

Dig in and savor every incredible bite of this game-changing pasta sensation.

What Makes Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Pasta Stand Out

• Whip Up Quickly: Incredibly easy recipe that comes together in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile dish allows for personalized twists by switching sausage types, adjusting BBQ sauce flavors, or adding extra vegetables for a unique family meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines the classic appeal of pasta with the irresistible smoky-sweet flavors of BBQ, making it a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults at any casual gathering.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a streamlined cooking process that uses the same pan for sautéing sausage, creating sauce, and mixing final ingredients.

BBQ Sausage Pasta Ingredient Breakdown

• Pasta: Hearty base for the delicious dish.
• Sausage: Provides rich, meaty flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy character.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, creamy sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds depth of flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall taste.

• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh, bright topping for the pasta.

• Olive Oil: Helps with sautéing ingredients.

How to Make Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add sliced sausage to the pan. Cook the sausage, turning occasionally, until both sides develop a beautiful golden-brown color, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the browned sausage to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Creamy BBQ Sauce

In the same skillet with sausage drippings, add diced onions. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and cook for a quick 30 seconds to release its aromatic flavors. Pour in BBQ sauce and heavy cream, whisking to create a smooth, rich sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently.

Step 4: Bring the Dish Together

Return the browned sausage to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the creamy BBQ sauce. Let the ingredients mingle and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is completely covered in the luscious sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the pasta for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve the dish immediately while it’s warm, ready to delight your taste buds with its harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and creamy notes.

Pasta Tips That Blend Tangy BBQ Sausage with Creamy Sauce

• Select Perfect Pasta: Choose short pasta like penne or rigatoni to hold the rich, creamy BBQ sauce effectively.
• Boost Sausage Flavor: Brown sausage thoroughly to develop deep caramelized edges and enhance overall dish complexity.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce gently to prevent cream from separating and maintain smooth, velvety texture.
• Customize Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra kick, adjusting heat to personal preference.
• Quick Meal Prep: Make this dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal ingredients.

BBQ Sausage Pasta Reheat and Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of cream or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and continuously until heated evenly, about 4-5 minutes.

Flavors That Work with BBQ Sausage Pasta

• Enhance Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the smoky sausage and sweet BBQ sauce, cutting through the creamy richness.
• Refreshing Beer Match: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA to balance the dish's robust flavors, with crisp carbonation cleansing the palate between bites.
• Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a light, acidic contrast against the pasta's heavy, creamy texture.
• Contrasting Vegetable Companion: Roast green beans with garlic and red pepper flakes to add a spicy, fresh element that brightens the overall meal experience.

BBQ Sausage Pasta Flavors

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled firm tofu for a meat-free version that maintains the dish's rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free to create a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to maintain the sauce's creamy texture while eliminating dairy ingredients.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for those who enjoy a more intense and fiery flavor experience.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best in this recipe?

Italian or smoked sausage are ideal choices. Both provide rich flavor and complement the BBQ sauce perfectly. Slice them diagonally for better presentation and even cooking.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy BBQ sauce to increase heat. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sauce during the sauce preparation for an extra kick.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. Opt for a low-fat or sugar-free BBQ sauce. Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.

• How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat low and stir constantly when adding cream. Use full-fat cream and avoid high temperatures. If the sauce starts to look grainy, remove from heat and whisk gently to re-emulsify.

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Pasta blends hearty Italian sausage with zesty barbecue sauce in a quick weeknight dinner. Creamy pasta and smoky flavors merge for a mouthwatering meal that satisfies intense comfort food cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Vegetable and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly tender, then carefully drain, reserving the pasta for subsequent steps.
2. Select a generously sized skillet and warm olive oil over medium flame. Carefully arrange sausage slices, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 5 minutes per side. Transfer sausage to a separate plate.
3. Within the same skillet, introduce diced onions and allow them to become translucent and softened. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release aromatic notes.
4. Pour BBQ sauce and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious, velvety mixture. Gently integrate the ingredients, allowing them to meld and develop complex flavor profiles.
5. Reintroduce the beautifully browned sausage slices into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Permit the ingredients to simmer and intermingle for several minutes.
6. Add the previously prepared pasta directly into the skillet, meticulously tossing to guarantee complete sauce coverage. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Transfer the completed dish to serving plates, adorning with finely chopped parsley or delicate green onion rings. Present immediately to capture the optimal temperature and vibrant flavors.

Notes

• Select high-quality sausage with robust flavors like spicy Italian or smoked varieties to enhance the overall dish complexity.
• Keep pasta slightly undercooked when draining, as it will continue absorbing sauce during final simmering, preventing mushy texture.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, healthier alternatives that maintain creamy consistency.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting BBQ sauce and cream ratio; add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick during cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg