What pasta works best in a one pot recipe like this?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal for one pot meals. They hold their texture well during simmering and soak up sauce beautifully without getting mushy.

Can I substitute the chicken thighs with something else?

Yes, boneless chicken breast or even turkey can work in this one pot dish. Just be careful not to overcook them—breast meat tends to dry out faster than thighs. You can also make it fully sausage-based for an even quicker version.

Will the barbecue sauce make the pasta overly sweet?

Not at all. The balance of smoky sausage, acidic tomatoes, and savory broth tempers the sweetness. If you're using a particularly sweet sauce, you can add a splash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon juice at the end to balance it.

How do I store and reheat leftovers without drying it out?

Store the cooled pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water and reheat gently over medium-low heat to keep the sauce silky.

One Pot Sweet Tangy Sausage & Chicken Pasta

Description

This one-pot Sweet Tangy Sausage & Chicken Pasta brings smoky sausage, juicy chicken, sweet barbecue sauce, and tender pasta together in a single pot—perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

1 lb chicken thighs, diced

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup barbecue sauce

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the sliced sausage and diced chicken for about 5–7 minutes until browned.

2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Stir in the diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, corn, uncooked pasta, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.

5. Uncover and let rest for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture, but breast works if needed.

To adjust sweetness, choose a barbecue sauce that matches your taste preference—smoky, spicy, or honey-based.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 480
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 920mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 75mg