Looking for a quick and tasty meal? BBQ Sausage Pasta is your answer! This dish combines smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and penne pasta for a flavor explosion. You’ll love the easy steps to whip it up and the flexible add-ins that let you tailor it to your taste. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that promises to delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This BBQ sausage pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of BBQ sauce, smoked sausage, and fresh veggies creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out the sausage or veggies based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Comfort Food: This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal with family or friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 pound smoked sausage (or chicken/turkey sausage)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
These main ingredients create a rich and hearty dish. Penne pasta works well because its shape holds the sauce nicely. The smoked sausage adds a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ sauce. Heavy cream gives the dish a creamy texture, making every bite feel indulgent.
Optional Add-ins
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
You can add a bell pepper for sweetness and color. Red onion adds a slight bite, while garlic boosts flavor. Cherry tomatoes add freshness. Smoked paprika and Italian seasoning enhance the dish further. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan for a beautiful finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
First, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which gives a nice bite. After cooking, drain the pasta. Set it aside for later.
Sautéing the Sausage and Veggies
Next, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Slice 1 pound of smoked sausage. Add the sausage to the skillet. Cook until it is browned, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step adds great flavor. After that, add 1 diced bell pepper and 1 finely chopped small red onion. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes. The veggies should be tender now.
Then, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook this mix for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the garlic to smell nice and the tomatoes to soften.
Combining and Simmering
Now it’s time to add flavor. Pour in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything well. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together. Once it’s ready, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss it well to coat the pasta in the BBQ sauce mixture. Heat everything through for about 2 minutes.
Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your BBQ sausage pasta delight!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Sausage
For BBQ sausage pasta, I like to use smoked sausage. It adds a deep, rich flavor. Chicken or turkey sausage works well too. They make the dish lighter but still tasty. Look for sausages with BBQ spices. Brands often have options that fit this flavor. You can even try spicy sausage for an extra kick.
BBQ Sauce Recommendations
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce. I love using sweet and smoky sauces. They balance the dish nicely. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own sauce. Combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices for a quick mix. Homemade sauces can give your dish a unique twist.
Cooking Techniques
Cooking pasta to perfection is key. Use a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil before adding the penne. Follow the package instructions closely. Aim for al dente pasta; it should be firm but not hard. Drain it well to avoid a watery sauce. This method ensures your pasta absorbs the flavors of the BBQ sauce.
Pro Tips
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Opt for a smoked sausage for the best flavor, but feel free to use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner dish.
- Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture in your dish; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce or even mix two different kinds to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.
- Garnish for Freshness: Always finish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley to add a burst of color and freshness that complements the richness of the sauce.
Variations
Healthier Alternatives
To make BBQ Sausage Pasta lighter, you can use turkey or chicken sausage. These options cut down on fat while still giving great flavor. They have a similar taste to regular sausage. Plus, they are often lower in calories. Just slice and cook them like you would with traditional sausage. You won’t lose the smoky taste.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
If you prefer a plant-based dish, try using plant-based sausage. Many brands offer tasty options that mimic meat well. You can also swap heavy cream for non-dairy cream substitutes. Almond or coconut cream works great. These swaps keep the pasta creamy and rich without animal products. You can enjoy a delicious meal that fits your diet.
Additional Flavor Enhancements
Want to boost the taste? Add extra spices and herbs. Smoked paprika adds warmth. A pinch of cayenne can give it a kick. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can brighten the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a fresh twist. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite flavor mix!
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To store your BBQ sausage pasta, let it cool down first. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it.
Freezing Tips
Freezing BBQ sausage pasta is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, divide it into portions. Place each portion in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. Seal the bags tightly and label them with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just take it out and let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat BBQ sausage pasta, the stove is your best friend. Pour the pasta into a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce. This keeps it from drying out. Stir gently until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Enjoy your tasty meal without losing flavor!
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for BBQ Sausage Pasta?
I recommend using penne pasta for BBQ Sausage Pasta. Its tube shape holds the sauce well. Other good options are rotini or fusilli. These shapes also trap sauce in their curls. The key is to choose a pasta that can grab sauce easily. This way, every bite is full of flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta, sausage, and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge in airtight containers. When you are ready to eat, combine them in a pan. Heat gently until warm. This method helps keep the pasta from getting mushy.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To make the dish milder, use mild sausage and less BBQ sauce. You can also add more cream to tone down the heat. If you want it spicier, choose hot sausage or add red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some hot sauce during cooking. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.
In this post, we explored how to make BBQ sausage pasta using simple ingredients and clear steps. We looked at the main ingredients, optional add-ins, and shared cooking tips. Remember, you can customize the dish with healthier options or extra flavors. Storing leftovers and reheating them properly ensures you can enjoy this meal later. This quick, hearty dish satisfies many tastes and dietary needs. Now, it’s your turn to try this recipe and enjoy a tasty mea
BBQ Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 whole bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- to garnish fresh parsley, chopped
- to serve grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced bell pepper and red onion to the skillet. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften.
- Pour in the BBQ sauce and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add the smoked paprika and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated in the BBQ sauce mixture. Heat through, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
