Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender shrimp, savory sausage, and a rich garlic butter cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers indulgent taste, vibrant textures, and easy cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz pre-cooked smoked or Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta

Sauce

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking shrimp and sausage)

Seasonings & Garnish

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Sausage: Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook Shrimp to Perfection: In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside with the sausage.
  3. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add the butter, letting it melt slowly. Stir in more garlic if desired. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While preparing the sauce, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency.
  5. Combine Everything in the Skillet: Add the cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce needs loosening. Finish with fresh chopped parsley and serve.

Notes

  • Use room temperature shrimp to ensure even cooking and prevent rubbery texture.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp; remove as soon as they turn pink and opaque for best tenderness.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency and add natural starch for a silky finish.
  • Fresh minced garlic is essential to achieve the rich aroma and depth of flavor.
  • Combining butter and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy, and indulgent sauce.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, sausage pasta, skillet pasta, quick dinner, one-pan meal, creamy pasta, seafood pasta