Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta

Alright, folks, buckle up because this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is about to blow your mind. Imagine a delicious, garlicky, buttery sauce clinging to tender shrimp, juicy sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta—can you smell it already? It’s the kind of one-pan meal that’s easy to whip up, yet feels like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant. The smoky sausage and succulent shrimp come together in a rich, flavorful sauce that makes every bite feel like a little party in your mouth. Trust me, this dish is a total winner for weeknight dinners or even impressing guests on the weekend. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta

One-Pan Wonder

The best part? Everything cooks in one skillet. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor—what more could you ask for?

Quick and Easy

You won’t be slaving away in the kitchen for hours. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of about 20, you’ll have this delicious dinner on the table in no time.

Flavor Explosion

The combination of garlicky butter, shrimp, sausage, and pasta creates a perfect blend of savory, smoky, and buttery goodness. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a little bit of fancy flair.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is versatile enough for a quick family dinner, but it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether it’s a casual night or a dinner party, you’re going to look like a total rockstar when you serve this.

Customizable

Love a little spice? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Not a fan of sausage? Feel free to swap it for chicken or leave it out entirely. This recipe is flexible and forgiving, so you can make it your own.

Ingredients in Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious skillet pasta:

For the Pasta:

• Pasta: Any pasta you like will work here—spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are all great options. Just make sure to cook it al dente, as it’ll continue to cook in the skillet with the sauce.
• Salt: For seasoning the pasta water and helping bring out the flavors of the dish.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• Butter: The star of the sauce. It adds richness and a silky smooth texture.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp and sausage.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced, is the key to that wonderful, aromatic flavor that brings everything together.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great here. Just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.
• Sausage: Smoked sausage, sliced. The smoky, savory sausage pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the shrimp.
• Chicken Broth: Adds a bit of depth to the sauce and keeps it from being too thick.
• Heavy Cream: For a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and meat beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory, umami finish to the dish.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice to cut through the richness of the sauce and brighten up the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: A handful of fresh parsley for a burst of color and a fresh herbal note.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat. Feel free to skip this if you prefer a milder flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this super easy and tasty dish:

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce later on. Set the pasta aside.

2. Sauté the Shrimp and Sausage

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s browned and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them! Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the sausage.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine Everything

Once the sauce has thickened a little, add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help coat everything in the sauce.

5. Add the Finishing Touches

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and a little more Parmesan if you like. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness of this dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 560
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 920mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta

With a Side Salad

A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect complement to this rich and creamy dish. It’ll help balance out all the buttery goodness.

Garlic Bread

Serve this pasta with a side of garlic bread for extra flavor. The crunchy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce left in your skillet.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini are a great side option. They add some freshness and color to your meal while keeping it healthy.

Extra Cheese

If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to top your pasta with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of mozzarella for an added cheesy touch.

Additional Tips

Cook the Shrimp Just Right

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp! Shrimp cooks quickly, and if you leave them in too long, they can become tough and rubbery. They’re done when they’re pink and opaque.

Swap the Sausage

Not a fan of sausage? You can substitute it with chicken breast, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.

Make It Spicy

If you love spice, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.

Adjust the Sauce Consistency

If the sauce gets too thick, add more chicken broth or pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you get the desired consistency.

Use Fresh Shrimp

Fresh shrimp are always the best option for this recipe, but frozen shrimp works just fine too. Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A1: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine them when you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Can I substitute the sausage with something else?

A2: Yes! You can swap the sausage for chicken, turkey, or even bacon for a different flavor profile. The smoky sausage is great, but feel free to experiment!

Q3: Can I make this dish without cream?

A3: Absolutely! If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, milk, or even chicken broth to replace the heavy cream. Just note that it will be a bit less rich and creamy.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the creaminess.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?

A5: I recommend against freezing this dish, as the cream can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the sauce and pasta separately if needed, then combine them when reheating.

Q6: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A6: Yes! Any pasta shape you like will work. Penne, fusilli, or even linguine would all be great in this dish.

Q7: How do I make this dish spicier?

A7: Add more red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a chopped jalapeño to the sauce. Adjust to your spice tolerance!

Q8: Can I make this recipe without shrimp?

A8: Yes! You can skip the shrimp and use just sausage, or try adding another protein like chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A9: Absolutely! Add spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q10: How do I make the pasta extra creamy?

A10: To make the pasta extra creamy, use more heavy cream or add a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce for added richness.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, delicious, and packed with flavor. With a creamy, garlicky sauce, tender shrimp, and savory sausage, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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