One-Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

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There’s something about a one-pot dinner that instantly brings comfort—minimal mess, maximum flavor. That’s why I always keep this One-Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta recipe in my back pocket. It’s rich, smoky, a little sweet, and full of heartiness thanks to the tender chicken, savory sausage, and perfectly coated pasta. Best part? It all comes together in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.

I came up with this recipe on a cold evening when I was craving something cozy but didn’t have the energy to do dishes for an hour afterward. The combination of BBQ sauce and a touch of maple honey gives the dish a beautiful caramelized glaze that clings to the pasta. It’s a bold, satisfying meal that makes everyone at the table reach for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

This dish hits every craving—savory, sweet, and smoky—all while being ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced skills in the kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests with minimal effort. From the first bite, you’ll see how the flavors come together in a rich, mouthwatering harmony.

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What Kind of Sausage and Chicken Should I Use?

For this One-Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta, I recommend using smoked sausage—something like andouille or kielbasa. The smoky flavor adds an irresistible depth to the dish and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the BBQ-maple sauce.

As for chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Thighs bring a richer flavor and tend to stay juicier during cooking, while breasts are leaner and cook quickly. Either option works, depending on your preference.

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Options for Substitutions

Not a fan of sausage or want to tweak it for dietary reasons? No problem. This recipe is super flexible:

• Turkey or chicken sausage: A leaner option that still delivers smoky flavor.
• Tofu or tempeh: For a vegetarian twist, marinate and brown tofu or tempeh cubes before adding to the pot.
• Gluten-free pasta: Works just as well—just adjust the cook time and check for doneness.
• Low-sugar BBQ sauce: Ideal if you’re watching your sugar intake but still want that tangy-sweet flavor.
• Vegetable broth: Swaps in easily for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly if skipping the meats.

Whether you’re customizing for dietary needs or just using what’s in your pantry, this dish is totally forgiving.

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Ingredients for One-Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

• Smoked Sausage
  This adds a rich, savory flavor with a hint of smokiness. Slice it up so it sears and caramelizes beautifully in the pan.
• Chicken Breast or Thighs
  Provides the lean protein foundation for the dish. It soaks up all the BBQ-maple goodness while staying tender and juicy.
• Penne or Rotini Pasta
  The perfect shape to trap the sauce in every curve and groove. These pastas hold up well in a one-pot cook method without getting mushy.
• Chicken Broth
  Infuses flavor directly into the pasta as it cooks and creates a base for the sauce to form.
• Maple Syrup
  Brings a gentle sweetness that balances the bold BBQ and smoky sausage. Real maple syrup makes all the difference here.
• BBQ Sauce
  This is the heart of the flavor. Choose your favorite variety—spicy, smoky, sweet—it sets the entire tone of the dish.
• Garlic & Onion Powder
  Essential for layering in savory depth without needing to chop fresh ingredients.
• Black Pepper
  Adds a little bite and rounds out the sweetness with mild heat.
• Olive Oil or Butter
  Used to sear the meats and start building flavor from the bottom up.

Every ingredient plays a part in creating a well-balanced, crave-worthy pasta dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.

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Step 1: Sear the Sausage and Chicken

Start by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a small knob of butter. Toss in your sliced smoked sausage and cook until it starts to brown and crisp up around the edges. Remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same pan, add your diced chicken and cook until golden and just cooked through—don’t overcook since it’ll simmer more later.

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Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

Lower the heat slightly and add a touch more oil if needed. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Let the spices bloom for about 30 seconds before pouring in the chicken broth. Scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s where the magic lives.

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Step 3: Add Pasta and Cook

Stir in the dry pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the broth. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Cover and let it simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it cook for about 12–14 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced.

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Step 4: Add Maple & BBQ Goodness

Once the pasta is nearly done, pour in your BBQ sauce and maple syrup. Stir it all together so every piece of pasta and protein is glossy and coated in that sticky, tangy, sweet sauce. Let it cook uncovered for another 3–5 minutes to thicken up and caramelize slightly.

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Step 5: Finish & Serve

Give it a final stir and taste for seasoning. Serve hot straight from the pot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

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How Long to Cook the One-Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

The beauty of this one-pot meal is how efficiently it all comes together. Here’s the breakdown:

• Searing the sausage and chicken: 6–8 minutes total
• Simmering pasta in broth: 12–14 minutes
• Finishing with BBQ sauce and maple syrup: 3–5 minutes

So from start to finish, you’re looking at about 25–30 minutes total cook time. It’s fast enough for a weeknight, but flavorful enough to feel special.

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Tips for Perfect One-Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

• Brown, don’t just cook the sausage and chicken. That caramelization adds tons of flavor.
• Use enough broth to cook the pasta fully—but not so much that you dilute the sauce. Two cups usually do the trick for 12 oz of pasta.
• Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
• Use a BBQ sauce you love, since it plays such a central role in the flavor profile. Smoky, spicy, or sweet—all work depending on your mood.
• Don’t add the maple syrup too early or it might burn. Add it with the BBQ sauce so it caramelizes gently at the end.
• Taste and adjust. Every BBQ sauce has a different salt and sugar content, so feel free to add extra pepper, a splash of vinegar, or a pinch of salt to balance things out.
• Let it sit for a couple of minutes off the heat before serving. The sauce thickens beautifully and clings to every bite.

These small details make a huge difference between just “okay” and completely crave-worthy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this is a laid-back, one-pot recipe, a few missteps can throw things off. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overcooking the chicken
  Since it simmers again with the pasta and sauce, sear until just cooked—no need to fully finish it in the first stage.
• Adding BBQ sauce too early
  Doing this can burn the sugars before the pasta is done. Add it at the end to get that rich, glossy finish.
• Using too much liquid
  It’s tempting to overdo it on the broth “just in case,” but that can lead to a soupy texture instead of a sticky, flavorful sauce.
• Forgetting to stir the pasta
  Because this is a one-pot dish, stirring is important to prevent clumping or uneven cooking, especially on the bottom of the pot.
• Choosing a bland sausage
  This dish thrives on smoky, seasoned sausage. Pick one with bold flavor—it’s a major contributor to the final taste.
• Skipping the resting time
  Letting it sit off the heat for 2–3 minutes helps everything thicken and marry together for a smoother bite.
• Not seasoning as you go
  While BBQ sauce adds flavor, don’t forget the little things like pepper, garlic powder, or a tiny splash of vinegar to brighten things up.
• Using a pot that’s too small
  You’ll need space to stir without splashing, and to let the sauce reduce properly.

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What to Serve With One-Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta?

Green Garden Salad

A crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish.

Garlic Bread

Buttery, golden garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Charred corn pairs beautifully with the smoky-sweet BBQ flavors.

Roasted Broccoli

A simple roasted green veggie balances the meal and adds a nice crunch.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

The acidity is a surprisingly great contrast to the sweetness in the pasta.

Shredded Cheddar or Smoked Gouda

Sprinkle a little on top if you’re feeling cheesy—especially if your BBQ sauce has a smoky profile.

Lemon-Dill Yogurt Dip with Veggie Sticks

Something cool and creamy on the side keeps the meal light and fresh.

Iced Tea or a Crisp Beer

Refreshing and simple, both drinks pair well with the bold flavors of this dish.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers of One-Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta store beautifully, making it a great make-ahead or meal prep option.

• Refrigerator: Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze it too—just place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should be good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir halfway through heating to distribute heat evenly.

Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender and the pasta from turning mushy.

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Estimated Nutrition

These values are approximate and based on a serving size of about 1 ½ cups of pasta:

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugar: 12g (mostly from BBQ sauce and maple syrup)
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 3g

Nutrition can vary depending on the brand of sausage, type of pasta, and BBQ sauce used, so always adjust based on your specific ingredients if you need more accurate tracking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of BBQ sauce works best in this recipe?

Use one you genuinely enjoy! A smoky or sweet-style BBQ sauce pairs really well with the maple syrup. If you like a little kick, go for a spicy version—it’ll balance nicely with the sweetness.

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Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the sausage and chicken, and replace them with plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it meat-free.

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Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely. Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni work great. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as some shapes may take a bit longer or shorter to cook.

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Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can! Cook the whole dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for weekly meal prep or next-day lunches.

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How do I avoid the pasta sticking to the bottom?

Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks and make sure there’s enough broth to start. A nonstick pot or heavy-bottomed Dutch oven also helps prevent sticking.

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Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. It really depends on your choice of sausage and BBQ sauce. If you want it spicier, try adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes at the end.

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Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure you’re using a large enough pot to accommodate the extra volume and give everything room to cook evenly. You may also need to slightly increase the simmer time.

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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent uneven heating.

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Conclusion

This One-Pot Maple Honey BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a true weeknight hero. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—all while keeping dishes to a minimum. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping ahead, or just treating yourself, this dish hits every note: sweet, smoky, savory, and saucy. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite.

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