Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying meals that pack serious flavor, and this garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta hits every delicious mark.

Smoky sausage and succulent shrimp dance together in a rich, buttery sauce that clings perfectly to tender pasta strands.

Aromatic garlic infuses each bite with intense, mouthwatering depth that will make you swoon.

The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy feast.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top add a bright, vibrant finish that cuts through the richness.

Bold spices and creamy butter create a harmonious blend that guarantees clean plates and happy faces.

Dive into this one-pan wonder and watch magic unfold right in your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta

• Shrimp: Fresh, sweet seafood that adds delicate ocean flavor and tender texture to the dish; choose large, deveined shrimp for easy preparation.
• Sausage: Robust meat that provides rich, smoky depth and hearty protein; select a spicy or mild variety based on personal preference.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates intense, pungent base notes; choose fresh cloves for most vibrant flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and exciting spice kick; adjust quantity for desired warmth level.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides deep, smoky undertone that complements seafood and sausage; select high-quality Spanish variety for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers salty, nutty complexity; opt for freshly grated wheel for maximum flavor impact.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that brings fresh, green notes and visual appeal; choose crisp, vibrant leaves.

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and creating smooth cooking surface; select extra virgin for richest taste.
• Butter: Creates luxurious, silky sauce with rich, creamy consistency; use unsalted for better control of dish's saltiness.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and subtle savory undertones; low-sodium versions work best for balanced seasoning.
• Pasta: Hearty carbohydrate that serves as main dish foundation; select medium-sized shapes that hold sauce well.

Cooking Tools For Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space to cook noodles evenly.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for searing sausage, cooking shrimp, and creating the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and scraping up browned bits from the skillet.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing sausage and chopping fresh parsley.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring spices and seasonings.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for prepping ingredients.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping shrimp and handling ingredients in the skillet.

Instructions To Cook Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water with a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until perfectly tender. Save some pasta water before draining.

• Sausage Sizzle

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet. Brown sausage slices until edges turn golden and crispy. Set aside on a plate.

• Shrimp Dance

In the same skillet, add more olive oil. Sprinkle shrimp with smoky spices. Cook until they transform from gray to blush pink.

• Liquid Gold Sauce

Reduce heat and melt butter. Introduce minced garlic and optional spicy flakes. Pour chicken broth to create a silky, aromatic base. Let flavors marry and simmer gently.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine pasta with the velvety sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Return sausage and shrimp to the party.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Give a quick stir. Season to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the symphony of flavors straight from the skillet.

Flavor Twists For Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta

• Pasta Water Magic: Always save some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle, ensuring maximum flavor in each bite.
• Protein Power Play: Swap shrimp with chicken or scallops for a different protein experience. For vegetarian friends, try plant-based sausage and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to keep the dish exciting and nutritious.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance. For a milder version, reduce or eliminate them completely. Conversely, spice lovers can add extra flakes or include a dash of hot sauce for more kick.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is gluten-free certified. Replace regular flour-based ingredients with cornstarch or gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe completely safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Meal Prep Champion: This dish stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for 23 days. Store components separately and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Serving Suggestions For Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta

• Seafood Feast Companions: Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette perfectly balances the rich, savory pasta.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Warm, toasted garlic bread helps soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the shrimp and cut through the buttery richness of the dish.
• Sunday Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a delightful frittata by adding beaten eggs and baking for a quick, protein-packed morning meal.

How To Store Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta Right

• Quick Cool-Down Strategy: After cooking, spread pasta on a large plate or baking sheet to cool faster and prevent overcooking.
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers, keeping shrimp and pasta separate to maintain texture. Consume within 23 days for best quality and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Separate sauce, proteins, and pasta before freezing. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent rubbery shrimp.
• Meal Prep Wonder: Prepare components separately during weekly cooking session. Keep sauced pasta, cooked shrimp, and sliced sausage in individual containers. Mix just before serving to retain maximum freshness and prevent soggy textures.

Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta combines savory flavors in one delightful pan. Quick weeknight meals become effortless with this simple, satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings excitement to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (226 g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ½ lb (226 g) smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
• 8 oz (226 g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or dry white wine)
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt (for boiling water)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until al dente, adhering to package instructions. Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Sausage Searing: Heat olive oil in a expansive skillet over medium heat. Brown sausage slices evenly, rotating to achieve a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer to a holding plate.
3. Shrimp Sizzle: In the same skillet, add more olive oil. Season shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Quickly sear until each piece turns pink and translucent. Remove and set aside with sausage.
4. Aromatic Foundation: Reduce heat and melt butter. Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, creating a fragrant base. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, capturing all embedded flavor nuances.
5. Unification: Fold pasta into the sauce, ensuring complete coating. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water. Reintegrate sausage and shrimp, gently warming through the mixture.
6. Final Flourish: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with additional cheese and herbs for visual appeal.

Notes

• Pasta Water Preservation: Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each pasta strand.
• Protein Searing Technique: Cook shrimp and sausage quickly over high heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior while maintaining tender, juicy interiors – avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Flavor Layering Strategy: Use the same skillet for each ingredient to build depth of flavor, allowing caramelized bits from sausage and shrimp to enhance the sauce’s complexity.
• Seasoning Balance: Taste and adjust salt gradually, considering the natural saltiness of sausage and Parmesan cheese to prevent an overly salty final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg