If you are craving a dinner that bursts with bold flavors, creamy textures, and just enough spice to make your taste buds dance, then this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe is the perfect dish to try. Combining succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and a luscious garlic butter sauce all tossed with tender pasta, this meal is a one-pan wonder that never fails to impress. It’s comfort food elevated to an irresistible classic that you can whip up in just about 30 minutes. Trust me, once you make this your go-to, it will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight meals to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a beautiful example of how fresh, simple ingredients come together to create something truly amazing. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the smoky sausage adding depth and texture, to the garlic butter that brings everything together with richness and warmth.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine): The foundation that soaks up all those juicy flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brown the sausage and give a nice base flavor.
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced: Adds a savory and smoky character that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and juicy protein that cooks quickly.
- 4 tablespoons butter: The star of the garlic butter sauce, creating a creamy richness.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Packed with aroma and flavor, garlic makes this dish unforgettable.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds an herbaceous depth that rounds out the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish that melds wonderfully with the butter and pasta.
- ¼ cup chopped parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color to balance the richness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every element perfectly.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Brightens the dish with a touch of acidity to balance the butter.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture — tender yet firm to the bite. Once done, drain it but be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. That starchy water is pure magic later for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to every strand of pasta.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat up a large skillet with one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until each piece is nicely browned and crisped, usually around 4 to 5 minutes. Browning the sausage this way intensifies its flavor and creates a wonderful texture contrast. Remove the sausage and set aside for the next step.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove and set aside with the sausage.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and add all four tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burned. This step infuses the butter with that incredible garlic flavor we all love. Stir in the red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning now for added warmth and herbal notes.
Step 5: Combine Everything Together
Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything carefully so that every bit of pasta is coated with the savory garlic butter sauce. If the mixture looks thick or dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the ideal creamy consistency that lovingly hugs each ingredient.
Step 6: Final Touches
Now it’s time to stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. These final ingredients add brightness, depth, and freshness to this hearty dish. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve it immediately, piping hot, with extra cheese or herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate this dish, sprinkle a handful of extra chopped parsley or some freshly grated Parmesan right before serving. A little lemon wedge on the side is also lovely for those who enjoy a zesty finish. If you want to add more texture, toasted breadcrumbs or crushed red pepper flakes scattered on top bring delightful crunch and heat.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe shines on its own as a complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread can turn it into a feast. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are fantastic companions that balance out the richness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, try serving this pasta in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You could also get creative by tossing in some cherry tomatoes or fresh spinach at the last step for added color and nutrition. Offering a spice station with crushed red peppers and grated cheese lets everyone customize their own plate, making mealtime interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe holds its flavor well, but the pasta might absorb more sauce overnight, so keep a splash of pasta water or broth handy to refresh it when reheating.
Freezing
Because of the delicate texture of shrimp and butter-based sauces, freezing this dish is not ideal. The shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce may separate upon thawing. If you need to freeze, consider cooking pasta and sausage separately from the shrimp and sauce, then combine fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a small amount of broth or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for best texture. Stir frequently until heated through to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or fettuccine work beautifully here, you can also try linguine, rotini, or even spaghetti. The key is to choose a shape that holds the sauce well so you get flavor in every bite.
Is the red pepper flakes spice level adjustable?
Yes, feel free to omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish or increase the amount for a spicier kick. This recipe is quite flexible when it comes to seasoning.
What can I substitute for smoked sausage?
If smoked sausage isn’t available, kielbasa, chorizo, or even Italian sausage make great substitutes. Each will add its own distinct flavor, so choose one that suits your taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute instead of Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor without dairy.
How do I ensure the shrimp doesn’t get rubbery?
The key is cooking shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly—usually 2 to 3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye during that step.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe enough for those nights when you want something delicious, impressive, and effortless all at once. It’s pure comfort with an irresistible flavor combo that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Give yourself the gift of this cozy, satisfying meal soon — you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that combines tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon juice, this dish brings together savory and zesty flavors for a satisfying surf-and-turf pasta experience.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Return sausage and shrimp to the skillet, along with cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with extra cheese and herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use Cajun seasoning instead of Italian for a spicy twist.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes when tossing pasta for extra color and nutrition.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
- Make sure shrimp is cooked just until opaque to avoid toughness.
