Description
This Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender pasta is tossed with savory Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy BBQ sauce, bringing together a wonderful balance of smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the BBQ sauce and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine pasta and sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss all ingredients together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Add cheese and season: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, if using, allowing it to melt into the sauce for extra creaminess. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes during the vegetable sauté step.
- You can substitute penne pasta with rigatoni, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer.
- To lighten the dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
