Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that delivers big bold flavors with minimal fuss, then this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender shrimp and smoky sausage mingling in a rich, garlicky tomato cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccini. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a celebration every time you make it—comforting, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s all done right in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and dinner a joyous, stress-free experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the smoky notes of the sausage to the fresh zip of garlic, creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish truly unforgettable.

• Olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base that helps brown the sausage and shrimp beautifully.
• Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Provides tender, juicy protein with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with sausage.
• Kielbasa sausage: Brings a smoky, meaty richness that complements the seafood and spices.
• Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with its iconic aromatic punch.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, deepening and thickening the sauce.
• Canned crushed tomatoes: Adds fresh acidity and vibrant color.
• Dried rosemary, parsley, oregano, thyme, and basil: Create a fragrant herbaceous foundation that ties all flavors together.
• Smoked paprika: Offers subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
• Salt and pepper: Enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
• Chicken broth: Provides rich, savory liquid that cooks the pasta and builds the sauce.
• Fettuccini: A hearty pasta perfect for holding onto the luscious sauce.
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, dreamy texture.
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild brightness when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Adding the sliced Kielbasa sausage, cook it until each piece is beautifully browned and caramelized, about 5 minutes. This step unlocks that deep smoky flavor you’re after. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to rest for now.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn bright pink and opaque. This quick cooking ensures the shrimp stay tender and juicy without getting rubbery. Remove the shrimp and nestle them beside the sausage for later reunion in the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Now, add the minced garlic directly to the skillet. Sauté it for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. This releases the garlic’s oils and builds the aromatic backbone for your sauce.

Step 4: Develop Flavor with Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute or two. This concentrates the tomato’s sweetness and intensifies the depth of flavor. You’ll start to smell the sauce really come together here, making your kitchen irresistible.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Herbs

Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with all the dried herbs: rosemary, parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, plus smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the herbs and spices can marry with the tomato base.

Step 6: Simmer with Chicken Broth

Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the sauce begins to thicken and develop a rich, comforting body to cling to the pasta.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta Right in the Skillet

Add the fettuccini directly into the skillet, pushing it down so it’s mostly submerged in the simmering liquid. Cover the pan and let the pasta cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid reduces too quickly, don’t hesitate to add a splash more broth—this ensures every noodle cooks perfectly and absorbs the delicious sauce.

Step 8: Finish with Cream, Sausage, and Shrimp

When the pasta is just tender, stir in the heavy cream, cooked sausage, and shrimp. Let everything heat together gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce becomes irresistibly creamy and the meat is warmed through.

Step 9: Taste and Garnish

Give your masterpiece a final taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and herbal freshness before serving.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic choice, brightening the dish with its color and slightly peppery flavor. For an extra pop, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice to lift the richness. A dusting of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This skillet pasta is satisfying enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables brings refreshing contrast and extra texture. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, family-style presentation, serve the pasta right from the skillet at the table—joyful and welcoming. Alternatively, portion it into shallow bowls, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, and offer additional garnishes like chopped herbs or lemon wedges for guests to customize.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

While the dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To avoid mushy shrimp, consider freezing the pasta and sausage separately from the shrimp if you plan ahead.

Reheating

Rewarm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid overheating to keep shrimp tender and prevent the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta with this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccini is recommended for its hearty texture, feel free to use linguine, penne, or even a gluten-free option. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

What kind of sausage works best?

Kielbasa is the classic choice here due to its smoky flavor, but you can swap in Andouille, smoked chorizo, or any cooked smoked sausage you love.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s gently seasoned with smoky paprika but not spicy by default. You can add crushed red pepper flakes to kick up the heat if you like a little zing.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a luscious sauce without the dairy.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp cook quickly—when they turn pink and opaque, usually in 2 to 3 minutes per side, they’re ready. Overcooking makes them tough, so keep a close eye.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe really is a game changer for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and approachable. I hope you find as much joy in making it as you do in eating it—once you try it, I’m sure it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too.

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