Bbq Sausage Pasta

Last summer, Stephen and I found ourselves staring at leftover barbecue sausages from a weekend cookout, wondering what culinary magic we could create. That’s when inspiration struck – why not give these smoky gems a second chance in a comforting pasta dish? This BBQ Sausage Pasta was born from that moment of kitchen creativity, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

The combination of tender pasta, perfectly seasoned barbecue sausage, and a rich, tangy sauce creates a dish that tells the story of comfort food reimagined. At SecondRecipes.com, we believe every ingredient deserves a second life, and this BBQ sausage pasta recipe proves that sometimes the best dishes come from unexpected combinations.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Sausage Pasta Recipe

This BBQ sausage pasta delivers everything you crave in a weeknight dinner – bold flavors, satisfying textures, and incredible ease. The smoky barbecue sausage brings depth and richness that transforms ordinary pasta into something special. You’ll appreciate how quickly this dish comes together, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Furthermore, this recipe offers incredible versatility. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, this barbecue sausage pasta scales beautifully. The sauce clings perfectly to each strand of pasta, ensuring every bite delivers that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Plus, it uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making it an ideal last-minute dinner solution.

The best part? This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, creating an even more delicious experience with each reheating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this BBQ sausage pasta couldn’t be simpler. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor that make this dish irresistible.

Substitutions & Variations

This barbecue sausage pasta recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. For the sausages, try spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based alternatives for vegetarian versions. Each brings its own character to the final dish.

Pasta shapes work interchangeably – fusilli, rotini, or shells all capture the sauce wonderfully. If you prefer lighter options, whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta work excellently in this BBQ sausage pasta.

Vegetable variations include zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. These additions enhance the nutritional profile while maintaining the dish’s hearty appeal. For cheese alternatives, try sharp cheddar, gouda, or nutritional yeast for dairy-free versions.

Sauce modifications can include adding worcestershire sauce for umami depth, honey for extra sweetness, or hot sauce for more heat. These small tweaks allow you to customize this barbecue sausage pasta to your exact taste preferences.

This barbecue sausage pasta recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. For a delightful twist, consider trying the Crispy Rice Cheeseburger Salad: A Delicious Twist on a Classic as a side dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this BBQ sausage pasta follows a straightforward process that builds flavors systematically. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. This ensures your pasta cooks perfectly while you prepare the sauce components.

Begin cooking the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, slice the BBQ sausages into rounds, about ½-inch thick. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausage pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Remove the sausages and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Add diced onions and cook for 3 minutes until they start softening. Then add sliced bell peppers and continue cooking for another 4 minutes until they begin to caramelize.

Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your barbecue sausage pasta.

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the BBQ sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should start thickening slightly during this time.

Return the sausages to the skillet and stir in the heavy cream. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Add the hot pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and sausages. Toss everything together, adding pasta water gradually if needed to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

Remove from heat and stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with remaining cheese and parsley for garnish.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving restaurant-quality BBQ sausage pasta requires attention to several key details. First, don’t overcook the sausages initially – they’ll continue cooking in the sauce, so aim for golden-brown exteriors rather than fully cooked through.

Reserve pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid helps bind the sauce to the pasta beautifully. Add it gradually while tossing the pasta with sauce until you achieve a silky, cohesive mixture.

Choose your BBQ sauce carefully. Sweeter sauces work wonderfully, but if you prefer tangier flavors, opt for vinegar-based varieties. You can always adjust sweetness with a tablespoon of brown sugar if needed.

For the creamiest barbecue sausage pasta, remove the skillet from heat before adding the Parmesan cheese. This prevents the cheese from becoming stringy or clumpy. Toss vigorously to create a smooth, creamy coating on every piece of pasta.

Finally, serve this dish immediately for the best texture. The pasta continues absorbing sauce as it sits, so prompt serving ensures optimal consistency and flavor distribution.

Achieving restaurant-quality BBQ sausage pasta requires attention to several key details. To complement your meal, check out our Pulled Chicken Sliders: Easy, and Perfect for Any Occasion for a perfect pairing.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This BBQ sausage pasta stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Cool the pasta completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

When reheating refrigerated barbecue sausage pasta, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or warm gently on the stovetop over low heat.

For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture remains remarkably good, though you might need to add extra liquid during reheating to restore the sauce’s original consistency.

Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can break down the sauce and overcook the pasta. Instead, portion leftovers into individual servings for convenient single-serving reheating.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This hearty BBQ sausage pasta pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp accompaniments that balance its rich flavors. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a perfect acidic counterpoint to the smoky, creamy pasta.

Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes excellent sides for soaking up any remaining sauce. For lighter options, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus add nutritional value while complementing the dish’s robust flavors.

Wine pairings include medium-bodied reds like Chianti or Sangiovese, which complement the BBQ flavors beautifully. For white wine lovers, a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc provides refreshing contrast.

Consider serving this barbecue sausage pasta family-style with a variety of sides, allowing everyone to customize their meal. This approach works particularly well for casual dinner parties or Sunday family dinners.

This hearty BBQ sausage pasta pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp accompaniments that balance its rich flavors. For a flavorful addition, consider serving it alongside our Mexican Meatloaf: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic Favorite.

FAQs

Can I make BBQ sausage pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this BBQ sausage pasta up to 2 days ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce consistency.

What type of BBQ sausage works best?

Mild or sweet BBQ sausages work best for this recipe. Avoid overly spicy varieties unless you enjoy significant heat, as the BBQ sauce already provides plenty of flavor complexity.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works well in this barbecue sausage pasta. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or shells all hold the sauce beautifully and provide satisfying texture.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Add cream after reducing the heat to low and stir constantly. Never let the sauce boil after adding cream, as high heat can cause curdling. Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly than cold.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The BBQ sausage pasta will maintain its creamy texture and delicious flavor.

BBQ sausage pasta is a delightful fusion dish that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue sausage with the comforting texture of pasta. This dish showcases how versatile pasta can be, allowing for a variety of ingredients and flavors to create a satisfying meal that appeals to many palates, as seen in various culinary traditions.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This BBQ sausage pasta represents everything we love about giving classic ingredients a second chance at greatness. The combination of smoky sausage, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy pasta creates a dish that satisfies on every level. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and joy in every single bite.

Bbq Sausage Pasta

This BBQ sausage pasta delivers bold flavors, satisfying textures, and incredible ease, transforming leftover barbecue sausages into a comforting dish with a rich, tangy sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings servings

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound BBQ sausages
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 large bell peppers, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
• Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
• Slice the BBQ sausages into rounds, about ½-inch thick.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausage pieces for 3-4 minutes per side.
• Remove the sausages and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
• Add diced onions and cook for 3 minutes until they start softening.
• Add sliced bell peppers and continue cooking for another 4 minutes.
• Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and BBQ sauce, bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
• Return the sausages to the skillet and stir in the heavy cream, reduce heat to low and simmer for another 3 minutes.
• Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and add the hot pasta to the skillet.
• Toss everything together, adding pasta water gradually if needed.
• Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, serve immediately with remaining cheese and parsley for garnish.

Notes

This dish tastes even better the next day. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword BBQ, Comfort Food, creamy, pasta, sausage