If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat but comes together in just 30 minutes, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender shrimp and smoky sausage, tossed with pasta in a silky, garlicky butter sauce—each bite is rich, savory, and laced with just a hint of heat. It’s a dish that looks and tastes impressive, yet is secretly simple enough to whip up even on your busiest nights. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, you’ll love watching everyone go back for seconds of this irresistible meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—bringing color, flavor, or texture that makes every forkful truly delicious.
- Pasta: Penne or fettuccine works wonderfully, holding onto the sauce for the perfect bite every time.
- Olive oil: Gives the sausage a golden sear and adds a fruity base to the skillet.
- Smoked sausage: Adds deep, smoky flavor and a satisfying, hearty texture.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp soak up all that garlicky butter goodness and cook in minutes.
- Unsalted butter: The heart of the sauce, bringing luscious richness to every bite.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced, infuse the dish with unmistakable aroma and warmth.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but a pinch brings a gentle kick that balances the creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth: Creates body for the sauce and mingles with the butter for a silky finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it melts into the sauce for bold, nutty flavor.
- Heavy cream: Optional, but just a splash transforms the sauce into a creamy dream.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and brightening every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your penne or fettuccine according to the package directions until it’s just al dente—you want it to have a little bite, since it’ll finish in the skillet. Drain well and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Sausage and Shrimp
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and let it sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s beautifully browned on the edges. Next, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, just until they turn pink and opaque. Scoop both out onto a plate and set aside—you’ll add them back in later for that final toss.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt your butter. Toss in the minced garlic and (if using) red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until the kitchen smells heavenly. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, then let it bubble gently. Stir in the grated Parmesan and a splash of heavy cream if you want an extra-luxurious sauce. Give it 2 to 3 minutes to thicken and become glossy.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked sausage, shrimp, and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so each piece of pasta gets coated in that garlicky, buttery sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Right before serving, shower the skillet with fresh parsley for a burst of color and herby freshness. Serve warm and enjoy every twirl.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a must for a fresh finish. For even more flavor, grate extra Parmesan over the top or add a twist of lemon zest to brighten the entire dish. If you love a little heat, a pinch more red pepper flakes right before serving is delicious.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty on its own, but I love serving it with a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a side of roasted asparagus. Warm, crusty bread is also perfect for sopping up every drop of that silky sauce—don’t let a bit go to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta in shallow bowls or on a big platter so guests can help themselves. Garnish with whole sprigs of parsley and lemon wedges for a restaurant-style touch. Or swirl individual nests of pasta onto plates and top each with a few shrimp for an elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making leftovers just as tasty for lunch the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the texture of shrimp can change after thawing, and creamy sauces may separate. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the parsley garnish and add fresh when serving.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each so everything warms evenly without overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne and fettuccine are classic choices, but you can use whatever you have on hand—spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta all work beautifully in Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you’d like a lighter sauce, simply omit the cream and use a bit more chicken broth instead. The sauce will still be rich from the butter and Parmesan, and you’ll save a few calories.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but the dish isn’t overly spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to leave them out—or double up if you like things extra zesty!
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers make great additions. Just toss them in with the pasta and protein for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
What’s the best way to prep shrimp for this recipe?
Look for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for convenience. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water just before cooking. Pat dry for the best sear in your skillet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about gathering around the table with a big skillet of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta. With its bold flavors, quick cook time, and crowd-pleasing appeal, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is a deliciously rich and savory one-pan meal featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed with browned smoked sausage, succulent shrimp, and a garlicky buttery sauce. The addition of Parmesan cheese and optional cream creates a luscious, flavorful dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Proteins
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier sauce)
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the sausage and cook shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until nicely browned. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the sausage and shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if using). Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked sausage, shrimp, and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine and coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, omit the heavy cream and increase the chicken broth for a less rich sauce.
- Add fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to incorporate extra flavor and texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Adjust red pepper flakes amount according to your preference for spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
