Description

This Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Pasta combines smoky smoked sausage with a flavorful BBQ sauce, tender pasta, and a medley of sautéed vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and hearty weeknight dinner that balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs for a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Pasta and Sausage

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
1 tbsp olive oil

Vegetables and Flavorings

1 small red onion, diced
1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauces and Seasonings

1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet and tangy style)
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Brown Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage rounds and cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced red onion and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Combine Sauce and Sausage: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir in the BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, water, and brown sugar if using. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and flavors meld together.
Toss Pasta and Finish: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top if using, and let it melt slightly before serving.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish. Serve warm for a tasty, comforting meal.

Notes

Use your favorite BBQ sauce—smoky, spicy, or honey-flavored to customize the flavor profile.
Chicken sausage or turkey kielbasa can be used as a leaner protein alternative.
Adding brown sugar is optional and can be adjusted to your preferred sweetness level.
For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.