why make this recipe
Sticky Sweet Heat BBQ Sausage Penne is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the goodness of pasta with the unique taste of BBQ sausage. It is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. The balance of sweet and spicy flavors, along with the gooey melted cheddar cheese, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying meal.
how to make Sticky Sweet Heat BBQ Sausage Penne
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and brown it on all sides.
- Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until tender.
- In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the sausage and vegetables.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet; toss well to combine and heat through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top; cover until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving warm.
how to serve Sticky Sweet Heat BBQ Sausage Penne
Serve Sticky Sweet Heat BBQ Sausage Penne in bowls, topping each serving with extra shredded cheese if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some garlic bread, making it a great meal option for sharing.
how to store Sticky Sweet Heat BBQ Sausage Penne
To store leftovers, place the remaining Sticky Sweet Heat BBQ Sausage Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in a sealable freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
tips to make Sticky Sweet Heat BBQ Sausage Penne
- For added flavor, consider using a variety of sausages, like spicy or smoked sausage.
- Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
variation
You can make a vegetarian version of this dish by substituting the sausage with vegetarian sausage or grilled vegetables. Additionally, you can use a different type of pasta, such as rigatoni or fusilli, based on your preference.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
What toppings can I add to this dish?
You can add chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for some extra crunch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.
Sticky Sweet Heat BBQ Sausage Penne
A flavorful and hearty dish that pairs pasta with BBQ sausage, sweet honey, and gooey cheddar cheese, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and brown it on all sides.
- Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until tender.
- In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the sausage and vegetables.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet; toss well to combine and heat through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top; cover until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving warm.
Notes
For added flavor, use a variety of sausages or adjust the heat level with crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add more vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
