Enjoy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta—juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. A quick, flavorful meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A quick and easy one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights
- A flavorful combination of succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and rich garlic butter sauce
- Uses simple ingredients that create a restaurant-quality dish at home
- Customizable with your favorite pasta and spice level
- Perfect for seafood and pasta lovers alike
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)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the minced 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.
- Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in more Parmesan or a touch of mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken or use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, linguine, or bowtie.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best sausage to use?
Smoked sausage works best, but you can also use andouille, chorizo, or Italian sausage.
Can I cook the shrimp and sausage together?
It’s best to cook them separately to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cooks quickly; remove it as soon as it turns pink to avoid rubbery texture.
What other seasonings can I add?
Try Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or Italian herbs for a different flavor twist.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add it at the end and heat just until warmed through.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
What side dishes go well with this pasta?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that combines the richness of garlic butter, the smokiness of sausage, and the tenderness of shrimp. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying dish for guests, this recipe delivers delicious results every time!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Savor Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta—juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. Quick, easy, and irresistible!
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 cheeseSalt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the minced 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.
- Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor of the butter sauce for a richer taste.
- Adjust Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes for heat or tone it down with extra Parmesan for a milder, creamier finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta