Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
This flavorful skillet pasta combines succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and al dente pasta tossed in a garlicky butter sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the sausage:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
- Make the garlic butter sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the chicken broth (or wine). Simmer for 3–4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Combine everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to combine and warm through.
- Finish and serve:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Protein variations: Substitute the shrimp with scallops, chicken, or tofu for variety.
- Make it creamy: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.