Every time I dive into a skillet of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta, I find myself grinning at how something so straightforward can taste so luxurious. Succulent shrimp and smoky sausage mingle in a velvety garlic butter sauce, coating ribbon-like fettuccine in every silky strand. With just a handful of ingredients—plump shrimp, savory smoked sausage, fragrant garlic, and rich butter—this one-pan pasta dazzles from the first twirl of the fork to the very last drizzle of sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes busy weeknights feel like a celebration, proving you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a memorable meal. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes (10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking), so you can reclaim precious time without sacrificing flavor.
This skillet pasta strikes the perfect balance between hearty and bright. A splash of fresh lemon juice cuts through the indulgence of butter and cheese, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just enough heat to keep things interesting. The recipe’s intermediate difficulty level makes it an engaging weekend project or a midweek treat for slightly adventurous home cooks. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving a solo dinner that feels gourmet, this dish adapts beautifully—you can toss in spinach for extra greens or finish with a handful of chopped parsley for a pop of color. Crafted as both lunch and dinner, and clocking in around 630 calories per serving, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is destined to become a household favorite.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE SKILLET PASTA
Before we heat up the skillet, let’s get to know the stars of our show. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering that crave-worthy combination of flavors and textures. From the al dente strands of pasta to the bright finish of fresh lemon, these components come together to create a one-pan dinner you’ll revisit again and again.
- Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta
The foundation of our dish, these long, flat noodles hold onto every drop of garlic butter sauce. Their wide surface area ensures each bite is richly coated, turning a simple twirl into a flavor explosion.
- Large Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined
Tender and juicy, shrimp bring a delicate seafood sweetness that complements the smoky depth of the sausage. Cooking them just until pink and opaque keeps them perfectly succulent.
- Smoked Sausage, Sliced
This sausage introduces a savory, slightly spicy backbone. As it renders fat in the skillet, it infuses the butter with a robust, meaty essence that elevates the entire pasta.
- Unsalted Butter, Divided
Butter is our flavor carrier, delivering creamy richness and helping to mellow the garlic’s bite. Dividing it ensures we get a deep sausage-infused base followed by a bright garlic finish.
- Minced Garlic
Garlic is the aromatic soul of this pasta, offering pungent, toasty notes that marry beautifully with butter. Cooking it carefully prevents any bitterness and unlocks its full fragrance.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
A pinch of heat livens up the dish, creating a subtle kick that balances the lush butter and rich sausage. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
- Salt and Pepper
Essential seasonings that sharpen flavors and bring harmony to the sauce. Each pinch fine-tunes the dish to your personal taste.
- Chicken Broth
A savory liquid that deglazes the pan, lifting up all those golden brown bits for a more complex sauce. It also thins the butter just enough to coat the pasta evenly.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
Nutty and salty, Parmesan melts into the sauce for a creamy, umami-rich finish. It also helps the butter cling to the pasta strands.
- Fresh Lemon Juice
The secret brightener, lemon juice adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the butter and sausage, leaving a clean, zesty aftertaste.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley
A sprinkle of vibrant green parsley adds color, freshness, and a hint of earthiness on top, making every plate look as good as it tastes.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE SKILLET PASTA
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to transform them into a mouthwatering meal. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly cooked pasta, succulent shrimp, and a rich, garlicky sauce, all in one skillet.
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Once the noodles are al dente, drain them thoroughly and set aside so they’re ready to absorb the sauce.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even caramelization. Once golden and slightly crisp on the edges, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Stir constantly to release maximum flavor without bitterness.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. This brief cooking time keeps them tender and juicy.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the sausage. Keeping them separate prevents overcooking while you build the sauce.
6. To the skillet, pour in the chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes so it reduces slightly and concentrates in flavor.
7. Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine, ensuring every strand is coated in that savory broth-butter mixture.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Continue to heat for a couple of minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the lemon’s brightness to meld with the buttery sauce.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, adding a final pop of color and herbal freshness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE SKILLET PASTA
Once your piping-hot skillet is ready, it’s time to think about how to present and enjoy this flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re hosting friends or dishing up a cozy family dinner, these serving ideas will help you elevate every forkful and create a memorable dining experience.
- Plate It Family-Style
Scoop the pasta into a large, shallow serving bowl so everyone can dig in together. The communal presentation encourages lively conversation and ensures each person gets their share of shrimp and sausage.
- Pair with a Crisp White Wine
Serve alongside a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese, while its fruity notes harmonize with the lemon and shrimp.
- Add a Fresh Green Salad
Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette in a separate bowl. The crisp vegetables and tangy dressing create a refreshing contrast, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
- Serve with Garlic Bread
Toast slices of baguette brushed with olive oil and minced garlic until golden. The crunchy bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover garlic butter sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
HOW TO STORE GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE SKILLET PASTA
After all the deliciousness, you might find yourself with leftovers—and that’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this dish again. Proper storage ensures the shrimp stay tender, the pasta maintains its texture, and the sauce retains its rich flavor. Here’s how to keep your meal tasting like it just came off the stove.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Let the pasta cool slightly, then transfer it to a shallow, airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This method preserves the shrimp’s juiciness and keeps the sauce vibrant.
- Freeze for Longer Storage
If you want to save servings for up to one month, place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat Gently on the Stovetop
To revive the sauce and pasta, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.
- Store Components Separately
For maximum freshness, keep cooked pasta, shrimp, sausage, and sauce in separate containers. Combine and reheat just before serving so textures stay closer to freshly made.
CONCLUSION
Bringing together juicy shrimp, bold smoked sausage, and perfectly seasoned fettuccine in one skillet has never been more delightful. Throughout this article, we’ve covered everything from selecting the main ingredients—like buttery garlic, fresh lemon juice, and nutty Parmesan—to mastering the step-by-step cooking process that yields restaurant-worthy results in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re an intermediate home cook seeking an impressive dish or someone who loves the simplicity of a one-pan dinner, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta delivers on flavor, ease, and visual appeal. Don’t forget that with minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Feel free to personalize it with extra veggies, swap in different pastas, or adjust the spice level by tweaking the red pepper flakes.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later, so next time you’re in need of a crowd-pleasing dinner or a tasty lunch idea, you can pull it out in a flash. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section to answer any lingering questions about variations, substitutions, and troubleshooting. I’d love to hear how it goes when you try this recipe! If you have comments, questions, or feedback, please share your thoughts. Did you add something new? Encounter a cooking hiccup? Let me know—your insights help everyone cook with confidence and join in on the fun of creating this irresistible skillet pasta.
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
Description
This one-pan pasta dazzles with garlicky butter sauce coating tender shrimp, hearty sausage, and al dente fettuccine, finished with a zesty lemon kick and fresh parsley
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and opaque.
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Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
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To the skillet, add the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
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Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Let everything heat through for a couple of minutes.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Note
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light rosé.
- For a creamy version, try adding a splash of heavy cream before incorporating the shrimp and sausage.
- Feel free to add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
