Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe

Simmering with bold flavors, this garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta promises a culinary adventure that will spark excitement at your dinner table.

Rich aromas of perfectly seasoned proteins dance alongside tender pasta strands.

A meal that combines smoky sausage with delicate seafood in one incredible dish.

Salt and pepper become magical when blended with golden butter and crushed garlic.

Casual yet sophisticated, this skillet creation transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite.

Zesty and comforting, you’ll want to savor every single forkful of this incredible pasta.

Let’s unlock the secrets to making this mouthwatering recipe that everyone will crave.

Best Pairings For Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the garlic butter sauce, cutting through the richness and enhancing the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic baguette or sourdough to soak up the incredible garlic butter sauce, transforming every bite into a delightful flavor experience.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon and a touch of mint to refresh the taste buds and lighten the meal's robust flavors.

Tasty Tweaks For Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta

• Seafood Medley Pasta: Replace shrimp with a mix of scallops, crab meat, and mussels for an oceanic flavor explosion. Swap smoked paprika with Old Bay seasoning to enhance the seafood profile.
• Spicy Chorizo Fusion: Substitute Italian sausage with spicy chorizo and add roasted red peppers. Include a splash of tequila instead of chicken broth for a Mexican-inspired kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace chicken broth with white wine, and add sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate fresh oregano and basil for a Greek-style pasta experience.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Skillet: Swap shrimp and sausage with grilled artichoke hearts and roasted zucchini. Use vegetable broth and add kalamata olives for depth of flavor.

FAQs On Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta

• What makes this garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta special?

This recipe combines the rich flavors of smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a creamy garlic butter sauce that brings everything together in one delicious pan. The combination of smoked paprika-seasoned shrimp and perfectly browned sausage creates a restaurant-quality meal at home.

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with most pasta shapes, short to medium-sized pastas like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best. These shapes help capture the delicious garlic butter sauce and hold onto the proteins perfectly.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat level. If you prefer a mild version, simply skip the red pepper flakes. For those who love a kick, add more to suit your taste preferences. The smoked paprika also adds a subtle warmth without intense spiciness.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

You can easily swap expensive shrimp with more affordable proteins like chicken or use a mix of proteins. Frozen shrimp is typically cheaper than fresh, and buying sausage on sale can help reduce the overall cost of the dish.

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta Is Full Of Flavor

• Savor Speedy Seafood Satisfaction: This skillet pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners without sacrificing taste or complexity.
• Embrace Bold Flavor Fusion: The combination of smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, spicy red pepper flakes, and rich garlic butter creates a mouthwatering symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.
• Master One-Pan Cooking Magic: By using a single skillet, this recipe minimizes cleanup, maximizes efficiency, and allows each ingredient to build delicious layers of flavor throughout the cooking process.
• Customize with Ease: The flexible recipe welcomes personal tweaks like adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables, making it an adaptable crowd-pleaser for various dietary preferences.

What You Need For Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta

• Shrimp: Tender seafood that adds protein and delicate ocean flavor. Wild-caught or farm-raised options work well. Best when fresh and deveined.
• Sausage: Hearty meat that provides rich, smoky flavor. Italian or smoked sausage recommended. Adds depth to the dish.

• Pasta: Provides the base of the dish. Penne or linguine work great. Choose pasta with good sauce-holding capabilities.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates a robust base flavor. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Butter: Creates creamy, rich sauce. Unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty finish. Freshly grated provides best flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and adds subtle background taste. Extra virgin recommended.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding gentle heat. Adjust to personal spice preference.

• Salt: Essential for balanced seasoning. Kosher or sea salt recommended.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity. Freshly ground preferred.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides smoky depth to shrimp. Enhances overall dish flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and freshness. Chopped just before use.

• Chicken Broth: Creates sauce base and adds additional flavor. Low-sodium version works best.

Simple Steps For Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Scoop out a bit of pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will come in handy later. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Sausage

Grab a spacious skillet and drizzle in olive oil. Let it heat up over medium flame. Slide in the sausage slices and let them dance in the pan. Cook until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, creating those irresistible crispy edges. Once done, transfer the sausage to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Shrimp

• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let them sizzle for about 2 minutes on each side until they transform into a pretty pink color. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the sausage.

Step 4: Craft Magical Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to a gentle medium. Drop in butter and watch it melt into liquid gold. Toss in minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some excitement. Let the aromatics become fragrant. Pour in chicken broth (or wine for extra pizzazz) and let the mixture simmer. Scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Introduce the cooked pasta to the sauce, making sure each strand gets a loving coating. If things look a bit dry, splash in some reserved pasta water – just a bit at a time. Reunite the sausage and shrimp with the pasta, giving everything a warm toss.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite!

Tips To Help With Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta

• Swap Pasta Varieties: Choose whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta for diverse dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, from a gentle hint to a fiery kick.
• Maximize Seafood Freshness: Select fresh, high-quality shrimp for optimal taste and texture, ensuring they're firm and smell clean.
• Quick Protein Alternatives: Replace sausage with chicken, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for different nutritional profiles and flavor variations.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast garlic briefly to enhance its nutty undertones and prevent burning, creating a more complex sauce base.

Store Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta With Ease

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lid tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking the shrimp or sausage.
• Microwave Option: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid Freezing: This dish doesn't freeze well due to the shrimp's delicate texture and pasta's tendency to become mushy when thawed.

Garlic Butter Shrimp And Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta blends bold Mediterranean flavors in one sizzling pan. Spicy sausage, succulent shrimp, and al dente pasta create a comforting meal that will transport you straight to coastal Italy.

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Ingredients

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Protein Ingredients:

• ½ pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ½ pound smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt (for boiling water)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath for the pasta, ensuring it reaches a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly tender yet slightly firm, following package guidance. Extract and preserve a portion of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Introduce sliced sausage, allowing it to transform into a golden-brown delicacy, rotating periodically for even caramelization. Transfer the sausage to a waiting plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet, introducing additional olive oil. Anoint shrimp with a blend of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear each side swiftly, watching for a rosy, translucent transformation. Remove alongside the sausage.
4. Reduce heat and allow butter to melt luxuriously. Infuse the pan with minced garlic and fiery red pepper flakes, creating an aromatic base. Pour chicken broth to deglaze, capturing every flavorful remnant clinging to the skillet’s surface.
5. Introduce pasta into the fragrant sauce, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly coated. Modulate sauce consistency by gradually incorporating reserved pasta water if needed. Reunite sausage and shrimp with the pasta, gently warming through.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, creating a final flourish of flavor. Calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Plate immediately, optional garnish of extra cheese and herbs elevates the presentation.

Notes

• Customize pasta type by choosing gluten-free or whole wheat options for dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe’s delicious flavor profile.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes quantity or omitting them completely for sensitive palates.
• Ensure seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before cooking to prevent any unwanted textures or potential foodborne illnesses.
• Quickly cook shrimp to prevent rubbery texture, watching carefully for the pink and opaque color change as a doneness indicator.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg