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Honey BBQ Kielbasa Pasta

A delightful marriage of flavors with vibrant pasta shells enveloped in a sweet and tangy sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauces
  • 12-16 oz pasta shells Use your preferred type of pasta.
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite brand.
  • 2 tablespoons honey Adjust quantity to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar Can substitute with a sugar alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup water To loosen the sauce if needed.
Meat
  • 1 ring kielbasa (12-14 oz) Sliced into coins.
Cooking Elements
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil For cooking kielbasa.
  • Salt for boiling water Add generous pinch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, fill with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, roughly 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cooking Kielbasa
  1. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the butter or oil and let it melt, then add the sliced kielbasa, cooking until golden brown on both sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ¼ cup of water.
  2. Adjust the water if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Drain the pasta once it’s done and return it to the pot.
  2. Add the browned kielbasa and pour the sauce over everything.
  3. Mix gently, allowing the sauce to evenly coat the pasta and kielbasa.
  4. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat to let the flavors meld.
Serving
  1. Transfer to serving bowls and enjoy while warm!

Notes

This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.