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.