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Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 52 reviews

This Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Pasta is a delightful fusion dish combining smoky barbecue flavors with hearty Italian sausage and tender pasta. Featuring a vibrant sauce made from barbecue sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and spices, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and satisfying. With sautéed bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic and onions, this dish offers a delicious balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 300g (10 oz) penne or your favorite pasta shape
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • A pinch of salt for boiling water

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 4 medium-sized sausages (Italian, smoked, or spicy varieties)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or yellow for sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (smoky or honey-based)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce and sausage mixture.
  2. Cook the Sausages: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil. Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet, slice into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add diced bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Create the Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce: Whisk together barbecue sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the sliced sausages and 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly. Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes while stirring gently to let the pasta absorb the flavors.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute sausages with plant-based sausages or grilled vegetables.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.
  • Experiment with different barbecue sauces to vary the flavor profile, such as smoky, spicy, or sweet BBQ sauces.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Keywords: sweet tangy BBQ sausage pasta, BBQ pasta recipe, sausage pasta, smoky pasta dish, quick pasta dinner, sautéed sausage pasta

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/sweet-and-tangy-bbq-sausage-pasta-recipe/