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bbq sausage pasta

This BBQ sausage pasta combines smoky, savory flavors with the comfort of perfectly cooked pasta, creating a weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 14 ounces smoked sausage (sliced)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 large bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, approximately 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, BBQ sauce, and uncooked pasta. Stir everything together thoroughly.
  4. Return the browned sausage to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once the pasta reaches al dente texture, remove from heat. Stir in half the shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and cover for 2 minutes to melt. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

This BBQ sausage pasta is versatile; you can adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add vegetables as needed. Leftovers taste even better the next day.