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

Scale

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

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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