Introduction

If you’re craving a flavorful, saucy pasta dish that comes together in one skillet, this Sweet Chili BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet is going to be your new favorite. It combines the smoky richness of Italian sausage, the bold tang of barbecue sauce, and the irresistible sweetness with a touch of spice from sweet chili sauce. Tossed with tender penne pasta, colorful bell peppers, and caramelized red onions, this dish is a weeknight dinner winner that tastes like it took hours but is ready in under 40 minutes.

My Recipe Story

This recipe was born on a busy weeknight when I wanted something hearty but didn’t feel like juggling multiple pans. I had Italian sausage on hand, a half-box of penne pasta, and a bottle of sweet chili sauce I’d been meaning to use. Adding BBQ sauce to the mix was a last-minute decision, but it turned out to be a game changer. The combination created a sticky, glossy sauce that coated every bite of pasta, balancing smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Since then, this Sweet Chili BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet has been a family favorite, especially when I want comfort food with a little kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan convenience: Minimal dishes to wash and maximum flavor in one skillet.
Bold flavor fusion: Sweet, smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy all in one bite.
Customizable: Easily swap proteins, sauces, or vegetables to suit your taste.

Quick and satisfying: Ready in under 40 minutes, yet hearty enough for dinner.
Family-friendly: Kid-approved sweetness with just enough heat to keep adults happy.

Ingredient Breakdown

The magic of this dish lies in its simple but powerful ingredient list. Each component adds a distinct layer of flavor that ties the recipe together beautifully. Italian sausage brings savory, smoky notes with just the right amount of richness. Using sliced sausage ensures every forkful has a meaty bite.

Penne pasta is perfect for this skillet meal. Its ridged surface holds onto the sticky sweet chili and BBQ sauce blend, ensuring no flavor gets left behind. You could also use rotini or rigatoni, but penne strikes the ideal balance of texture and sauce-holding power.

Sweet chili sauce is the star of the show, providing a glossy, sweet, and slightly spicy kick. Paired with BBQ sauce, it creates a deep, smoky-sweet flavor that feels comforting yet exciting. Bell peppers and red onion add freshness, crunch, and vibrant color, balancing the richness of the sauce and sausage.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
Medium pot for boiling pasta
Wooden spoon or spatula

Sharp knife for slicing vegetables and sausage
Measuring cups
Colander for draining pasta

Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the pasta: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later if needed.
Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced Italian sausage. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is golden brown on the edges and cooked through. Remove excess grease if necessary, leaving just enough to flavor the vegetables.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and red onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften slightly and the onions become tender and fragrant. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, adding a nice contrast to the pasta.

Make the sauce: Pour in the sweet chili sauce and BBQ sauce directly into the skillet. Stir well to coat the sausage and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the pasta: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, stirring to coat each piece in the glossy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finish and serve: Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer together for 2–3 more minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors. Taste and adjust with extra BBQ or sweet chili sauce if you prefer more boldness. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer more heat or swap it for chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter option. For pasta, try bowtie, fusilli, or shells if penne isn’t available. Love extra veggies? Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or baby spinach for added nutrition. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a luscious sauce variation.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when simmered in the sauce.
Balance the flavors: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta. If it’s too sweet, add a dash of hot sauce or vinegar for balance.

Use fresh vegetables: Crisp bell peppers and onions add the best texture contrast.
Control the spice level: Sweet chili sauces vary in heat—taste yours first and adjust the amount accordingly.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To make ahead, cook the pasta and sausage in advance, then combine everything with the sauces just before serving for the freshest taste.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This Sweet Chili BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a crisp garden salad, or roasted vegetables. For a more indulgent touch, top it with shredded cheddar or mozzarella and broil for a cheesy crust. Pair with a glass of red wine, sweet iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing complement.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sauces are gluten-free.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Any style works, but smoky or hickory-flavored BBQ sauce pairs especially well with sweet chili sauce.

Can I make it less sweet?
Use less sweet chili sauce and balance with extra BBQ sauce or a splash of soy sauce for more savory depth.

How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on your sweet chili sauce brand. Most are mildly spicy, but you can add hot sauce if you want more heat.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Store portions in airtight containers and reheat as needed. It makes a great grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner option.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet is a crowd-pleasing, one-pan recipe that blends comfort food with bold flavors. With smoky sausage, saucy pasta, and vibrant veggies, it’s the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on its sweet, smoky, and spicy charm.

Sweet Chili BBQ Sausage Pasta Skillet

Author: Sarah White

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A bold, saucy one-pan pasta dish with smoky sausage, sweet chili and BBQ flavors, and tender bell peppers. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
8 oz penne pasta

1 cup sweet chili sauce
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup bell peppers, sliced

1/2 cup red onion, sliced

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the sliced sausage for 6–8 minutes until cooked through.
Add bell peppers and red onion to the skillet and sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Pour in sweet chili sauce and BBQ sauce, stirring to coat the sausage and vegetables. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken.

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
Simmer together for 2–3 more minutes, taste and adjust seasonings, then serve hot.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water. Add extra vegetables or a sprinkle of Parmesan for variation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop

Cuisine: American