There’s nothing quite like the combination of juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender pasta, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is pure comfort food with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life:
Shrimp: The star protein, bringing a sweet and delicate flavor. Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp that have been peeled and deveined for convenience.
Smoked Sausage: Adds a rich, savory depth and slight smokiness to the dish. Choose your favorite variety, whether it’s andouille, kielbasa, or another type.
Pasta: A sturdy pasta like penne, fettuccine, or linguine works best to soak up the sauce.
Garlic: The key to the rich, aromatic butter sauce. Freshly minced garlic brings the best flavor.
Butter: Gives the dish its luscious, velvety texture. Use high-quality butter for the best taste.
Olive Oil: Helps sauté the shrimp and sausage while adding a subtle richness.
Chicken Broth: Adds a touch of depth to the sauce and keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
Parmesan Cheese: A final sprinkle of Parmesan takes this dish to the next level with its nutty, salty bite.
Fresh Parsley: Brings brightness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook the sliced sausage until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then add shrimp. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute. Stir in additional butter and let it melt into the broth, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Stir everything well, allowing the cheese to melt slightly into the pasta.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish up while warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 480
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices.
Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt complements the dish beautifully.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before.
Spice It Up: Add spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes for a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap regular flour for gluten-free alternatives if needed.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making extra!
FAQ Section
- Can I substitute shrimp with another protein? Yes! Chicken, scallops, or even tofu make great alternatives.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare it and store it in the fridge, then reheat just before serving.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes! Freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- What’s the best way to reheat this dish? Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or butter to revive the sauce.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, just use a larger skillet and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well.
- How can I make it spicier? Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or spicy sausage.
- Can I add veggies? Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.
- What if I don’t have fresh garlic? Use garlic powder, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together tender shrimp, savory sausage, and perfectly coated pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. With its simple preparation and bold flavors, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh herbs for the ultimate finishing touch. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender pasta are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: In the same skillet, add sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and reserved pasta water, then simmer for 2 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For added zest, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving!
Substitute chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg