Description
This One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines smoky turkey sausage with creamy honey BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s cooked entirely in one pot for easy cleanup and packed with savory, sweet, and creamy notes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup diced onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and sauté onions: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté them until they become translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, to release their sweetness and build the base flavor.
- Cook the sausage: Add the sliced smoked turkey sausage to the pot and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage pieces are browned and slightly caramelized.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the cooked onions and sausage, stirring well to evenly distribute the seasonings for enhanced flavor.
- Add broth and cook pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions—typically 8 to 10 minutes—until the pasta is al dente, absorbing some of the flavorful broth.
- Incorporate cream and BBQ sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and honey BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors into a rich, creamy sauce.
- Add cheddar cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot while stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasonings as needed with additional salt or pepper. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous note.
Notes
- Use smoked turkey sausage for a healthier, lower-fat alternative to traditional pork sausages.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic powder.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your BBQ sauce does not contain gluten ingredients.
