If you are looking for a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comes together quickly, then the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need tonight. This irresistible combination of succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table in one pan. Each bite is a harmony of rich, tangy, and mildly spicy notes that delight your palate and make you want seconds right away.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe is how the straightforward, everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Every item plays a crucial role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding creaminess, or giving that vibrant finish.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or linguine): The perfect base to soak up all the garlicky butter sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a light, fruity flavor and helps cook the proteins to golden perfection.
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender, juicy, and full of oceanic goodness.
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced: Brings a smoky, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star that makes the sauce rich and silky smooth.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses every bite with that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a subtle spicy kick to awaken your taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of sweetness to balance flavors.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Creates a nutty, salty finish that melts into the pasta.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Brightens and freshens the dish with its herbal notes.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Adds the perfect zesty tang to cut through the richness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. This helps ensure that the texture stays just right once you toss it with the rich, buttery sauce later. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining because this starchy water will be your secret weapon to help the sauce cling beautifully to each noodle.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous pink and are perfectly cooked through. This step guarantees that the shrimp remain tender and juicy. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to rest while you prepare the sausage.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage. Let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it gets a beautiful golden-brown crust that amplifies its smoky flavor. To keep all the flavors, push the sausage to one side of the pan — you will need space for the next step.
Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it. This is where the magic happens, as the butter and garlic meld together to form the base of your sauce. If you love a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now to infuse the sauce with a delicate kick.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Then, add the drained pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta in the garlicky butter sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, and chopped parsley. These final touches elevate the dish with creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that make every forkful a delight.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh parsley leaves never hurt anyone — they add a stunning visual contrast and a burst of fresh flavor on top. You might also consider a light drizzle of olive oil or some lemon zest for an extra pop.
Side Dishes
This hearty skillet pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables that provide balance and texture contrast. A crusty loaf of artisan bread is also perfect to scoop up every last bit of that luscious sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, dish the pasta into individual small cast iron skillets to keep it warm and add rustic charm. You could also add some colorful roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach stirred in at the end for an extra splash of color and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe holds up well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if needed. Store in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the shrimp and sausage. Tossing carefully maintains the creamy, luscious texture of the butter sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne and linguine are popular choices for their sauce-holding abilities, but feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even farfalle depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is quite mild unless you add the optional red pepper flakes, which give it a pleasant warmth without overwhelming the flavors. You can easily adjust this to your taste by increasing or omitting the flakes.
Can I substitute the smoked sausage with something else?
Yes! Kielbasa, chorizo, or even a spicy Andouille sausage would deliver fantastic flavor variations. For a lighter version, try chicken sausage or turkey sausage while keeping that smoky essence.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe reheats beautifully and tastes just as delicious the next day, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What can I add to make this dish even more flavorful?
Consider tossing in fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes when you add the pasta for extra color and nutrition. A splash of white wine in the garlic butter sauce can also deepen the flavor wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe is a trusty go-to when you want a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a wonderful way to bring friends or family around the table with a dish that balances richness, brightness, and just the right amount of spice. Give it a try soon — I promise it will become one of your favorite weeknight dinners!
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, Fusion
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make one-pan meal featuring tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and parmesan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or linguine)
Protein
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the same skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and heated through.
- Sauté garlic and add seasonings: Push the sausage to one side of the skillet. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the other side. Sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the skillet pasta hot for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use Cajun sausage to add a spicy kick to the dish.
- For extra flavor and nutrition, consider adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- This dish is excellent for meal prepping and reheats well for quick lunches or dinners.
