Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta that promises maximum flavor in minimal time.

Savory sausage chunks mingle perfectly with succulent shrimp, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Butter-kissed noodles provide the ultimate comfort base for this hearty meal.

Bright herbs and rich seasonings dance through each carefully crafted bite.

Quick-cooking ingredients mean you can have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Creamy, zesty, and packed with protein, this one-pan wonder delivers serious satisfaction without complicated techniques.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this skillet sensation becomes an instant household favorite.

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Works

• Craft One-Pot Wonder: Simplify your cooking with a single skillet that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal without creating a mountain of dishes.
• Customize Flavor Explosion: Adjust heat levels with red pepper flakes, swap protein types, or add extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Speed from Kitchen to Table: Prepare a delicious, protein-packed dinner in less than half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is limited.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine classic ingredients like shrimp, sausage, and pasta that appeal to both adults and kids, making it an ideal family dinner solution.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Pasta

• Fettuccine or Spaghetti: A long, flat or round noodle that serves as the base of this hearty skillet meal.

• Shrimp: Tender seafood that adds a delicate, sweet flavor to the dish.
• Sausage: Adds a rich, savory depth and meaty texture to the pasta.

• Butter: Creates a rich, creamy foundation for the sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Provides a base for cooking and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Garlic: Brings an intense, aromatic flavor that enhances the entire dish.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a spicy kick to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Adds a salty, tangy finish and fresh green color to brighten the dish.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab your favorite long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti and cook it according to the package directions. Once done, scoop out some pasta water and set it aside before draining the noodles.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Warm up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp and cook them until they turn pink and curl up, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Transfer the shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Use the same skillet to crisp up the sausage slices.

Let them sizzle and brown for 3-4 minutes, creating a delicious golden exterior. Remove the sausage and place it with the shrimp.

Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Magic

Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some extra kick.

Let the aromatics dance around for about a minute until they become fragrant.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and the reserved pasta water.

Let the liquid simmer and reduce slightly for 2 minutes, creating a silky base for your pasta.

Step 6: Combine the Feast

Reunite all the stars of the dish by adding the cooked pasta, perfectly seared shrimp, and browned sausage back into the skillet.

Toss everything together so each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 7: Finish with Flair

Shower the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Serve immediately while it’s hot and steamy.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

• Save a half cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every noodle beautifully.
• Cook shrimp on high heat for just 2-3 minutes to prevent rubbery texture, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.
• Adjust garlic amount based on preference – use less for mild flavor or more for a robust garlic punch.
• Add red pepper flakes gradually to control heat, starting with a small pinch and increasing to suit your spice tolerance.
• Swap sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use vegetarian sausage for a plant-based version.

Flavorful Variations of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Replace sausage with diced calamari and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Celebration: Swap chicken broth with white wine, add Cajun seasoning, and include andouille sausage for a bold New Orleans-style dish.
• Vegetarian Green Goddess: Substitute shrimp and sausage with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and plant-based sausage crumbles for a veggie-packed alternative.
• Creamy Tuscan Fusion: Incorporate spinach, cream, and extra Parmesan cheese to create a rich, luxurious pasta experience with similar cooking techniques.

Foods That Complement Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, buttery flavors and complement the seafood's delicate taste.
• Ideal Beer Companion: Choose a wheat beer or light lager that won't overpower the dish's complex garlic and protein blend, providing a refreshing contrast to the skillet's robust flavors.
• Zesty Cocktail Match: Mix a classic margarita with a citrus twist, whose bright, tangy notes will enhance the shrimp's sweetness and balance the sausage's spicy undertones.
• Fresh Non-Alcoholic Option: Prepare a sparkling lemon-herb spritzer that delivers a crisp, light refreshment, helping to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, buttery pasta.

Storing Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta in the sauce to prevent drying. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring tight sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine or spaghetti with other pasta like penne, linguine, or rigatoni. Just ensure the pasta can hold the sauce well.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference. The garlic and sausage provide flavor without overwhelming spiciness.

• Can I make this recipe without sausage?

Absolutely! You can replace sausage with chicken, add more shrimp, or make it vegetarian by using vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini instead.

Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table. Hearty ingredients mingle in one pan, creating a quick, satisfying meal that promises restaurant-quality taste with minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1/2 pound (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound (226 grams) smoked sausage, sliced

Pasta and Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Sear shrimp in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, caramelize sausage slices, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown exterior for approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Lower the heat and introduce butter to the pan, creating a silky base. Infuse the melted butter with minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until an aromatic fragrance emerges.
5. Deglaze the skillet by pouring in chicken broth and reserved pasta water, creating a harmonious liquid foundation. Allow the mixture to simmer and slightly reduce for 2 minutes.
6. Reunite the cooked pasta, seared shrimp, and browned sausage in the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated with the luxurious garlic butter sauce.
7. Finish the dish by scattering freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top, serving immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Select quick-cooking shrimp to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.
• Use spicy Italian sausage for deeper flavor complexity and added heat.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal spice tolerance, creating customizable heat levels.
• Rinse pasta immediately after draining to prevent sticking and maintain ideal sauce absorption.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg