One Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes? This One Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta recipe checks all the right boxes! It’s sweet, smoky, tangy, and savory—basically, the kind of pasta dish that gets devoured before it even hits the plate.

What makes it a weeknight winner?

One pot, less mess: Save time on clean-up so you can enjoy your evening.
Bold flavor combo: Maple, honey, and BBQ sauce blend seamlessly with smoky chicken sausage for a crave-worthy bite every time.
Quick and simple: Ready in about 30 minutes, with minimal chopping and fuss.
Kid-friendly & picky eater approved: The sweet BBQ twist makes it a hit with everyone at the table.
Perfect leftovers: Tastes just as good—if not better—the next day.

Whether you’re trying to spice up your midweek meals or prep a dinner that won’t wreck your kitchen, this easy sausage pasta is always a yes.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Before you get cooking, make sure you have the following on hand:

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven — Essential for making this one-pot pasta without spills.
Sharp knife — For slicing your sausage and optional veggies.
Cutting board — A safe surface for prep work.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula — Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot.
Measuring cups and spoons — Get those flavor balances just right.

Tip: A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat more evenly, reducing the risk of burning your pasta.

Preparation Tips

Want your pasta to turn out extra delicious and hassle-free? Here are some handy prep tips:

Pre-slice sausage and dice onions ahead of time — This makes weeknight cooking a total breeze.
Use fully cooked sausage — Cuts down cooking time and ensures the sausage stays juicy, not dry.
Warm your broth or water before adding — Helps the pasta cook more consistently in the pan.
Shred cheese fresh for creamier results — Pre-shredded varieties don’t melt as well due to added starches.
Don’t skip the lid while simmering — It helps lock in flavor and moisture.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting one-pot wonder:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3–4 chicken sausages (precooked), sliced into rounds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
½ cup maple syrup
¼ cup honey
½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite – smoky and tangy is best)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (adds a nice smoky depth)
12 oz dry pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work great)
1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda, or a blend)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Tips:
Using a bold BBQ sauce makes a huge difference. If you have a homemade version, go for it! Also, if you prefer a little heat, try a smoky chipotle or spicy BBQ variety.

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these easy steps to whip up your pasta in no time:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onions and sautée until soft and slightly golden, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in the chicken sausage slices and cook until lightly browned, around 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, maple syrup, honey, and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine.
Season with pepper and paprika.
Add the dry pasta and stir well. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and sauce has thickened.
Once pasta is tender, stir in the shredded cheese, letting it melt completely into the sauce for a creamy finish.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go south without a few pointers. Here’s what to watch out for:

Overcooking the pasta: Check for doneness early, especially if your stove runs hot.
Adding cheese too soon: Wait until the end so it doesn’t curdle in the heat or stick to the pan.
Using raw sausage: This recipe uses precooked sausage, which only needs browning. If you use raw, fully cook it before adding liquids.
Not stirring: Stir occasionally to keep pasta from sticking to the bottom—especially during a low simmer.
Too much sauce or too little: Be sure to measure liquids; too much and it’ll be soupy, too little and it can burn.

Best Side Dishes

Need something to go with your creamy pasta dish? These side options pair beautifully:

Simple arugula or spinach salad: Adds a peppery, fresh contrast to rich BBQ flavors.
Garlic bread: Because soaking up that sauce is non-negotiable.
Roasted veggies: Think roasted Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or asparagus—all complement the sausage and BBQ sauce.
Coleslaw: For a Southern-inspired BBQ meal feel. Sweet and tangy slaw lightens the meal just right.

Expert Recipe Tips

Want to make this pasta truly next-level? Try these pro tips:

Add vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can be tossed in for extra nutrition. Add them mid-way through pasta cooking.
Make it spicy: Swap honey BBQ for chipotle BBQ or add chopped jalapeños.
No maple? Use brown sugar or more honey as a substitute, though maple gives the dish its signature flavor twist.
Cheese swap: For a melty pull, try mozzarella. For sharpness, go with aged cheddar or gouda.
Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end if you love ultra-creamy pasta dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dish is great the next day, so don’t toss those leftovers!

Storage: Let pasta cool to room temp, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months, though the texture may soften slightly when thawed.
Reheating: Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or milk to bring back creaminess. For stovetop reheating, use medium-low heat and similar moisture tricks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage, andouille, or even plant-based sausage work great. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked or adjust the cooking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but easily made gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and making sure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free too.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Sure! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative that melts well. It’ll still be delicious with the bold sauce flavors.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—but make sure your pot is large enough. Also, watch the pasta closely, as cooking time may vary slightly with a bigger batch.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all the ingredients (slice sausage, dice onion, measure liquids) ahead of time and store them in containers. When it’s go-time, just dump and simmer!

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about a dish that blends comfort with convenience, and this One Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta nails it. It’s cozy, saucy, and just the right amount of sweet and smoky—all in under 40 minutes and one single pan.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or lazy Sunday comfort food cravings. This is one pasta recipe you’ll find yourself going back to over and over again.

Have you tried it already? Or made a fun twist on it? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out! And if this recipe hit the spot, feel free to share it with a fellow pasta lover.

Looking for more one-pot dinner ideas? Check out our main dish recipes for more easy, delicious meals.

Happy cooking! 🍝