Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish: garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta! This recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that never fails to impress. I remember the first time I made it; I was feeling adventurous and wanted to combine the heartiness of sausage with the fresh, briny taste of shrimp. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled my kitchen, and I knew I was onto something special. The way the creamy sauce coats the spaghetti is just heavenly! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up after a long day. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too. The combination of seafood and spices creates a comforting yet vibrant meal that you’ll want to savor again and again!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta. Trust me, having all your ingredients prepped and ready makes the cooking process so much smoother!
- 8 ounces spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh is best, but frozen works too!)
- 8 ounces sausage, sliced (I love using Italian sausage for that extra flavor)
- 4 tablespoons butter (because everything tastes better with butter!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (you can never have too much garlic!)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for that savory depth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (this is what makes the sauce luscious)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with seasoning!)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (adds a pop of color and freshness)
Gathering these ingredients will set you up for a fantastic meal, and I can’t wait for you to dive into this flavor explosion!
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta! I promise, it’s simpler than it sounds and so rewarding. Follow along with me!
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. You’ll want about 4-6 quarts of water for 8 ounces of spaghetti. Once the water’s at a rolling boil, toss in the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Remember to give it a stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick! When it’s done, drain the spaghetti and set it aside, but don’t rinse it—those starchy bits help the sauce cling beautifully later!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sausage
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. The smell of butter melting is just divine! Once melted, add in the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this fragrant mixture for about a minute until the garlic is golden and aromatic. Now, toss in the sliced sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and heated through. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 3: Add the Shrimp
Next up, it’s time to add the shrimp! Carefully place 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Cook them for about 3 minutes, flipping once, until they turn a lovely pink color. You’ll know they’re done when they’re opaque and firm to the touch. Don’t overcook them—nobody likes rubbery shrimp!
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Now, pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This will create a rich, luscious sauce that’s simply irresistible. Make sure to scrape up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet; that’s pure flavor, my friend!
Step 5: Combine with Spaghetti
Finally, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with that beautiful sauce. You want every noodle to be enveloped in all that garlicky goodness! If it seems a bit dry, you can always add a splash more chicken broth.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. It makes such a difference! Serve it up hot, and get ready for some serious compliments. Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta—you’ve earned it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich flavors: The combination of garlic, butter, shrimp, and sausage creates a savory explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Easy cleanup: One skillet is all you need, making cleanup a breeze so you can enjoy your meal without the hassle.
- Perfect for family dinners: It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table, making it a fantastic choice for family gatherings.
Tips for Success
To make your garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level—if you love a kick, add more red pepper flakes, or if you prefer it milder, just use a pinch. Fresh ingredients make a world of difference, so opt for fresh shrimp when possible; it elevates the flavor and texture! Also, be sure to taste as you go—seasoning is key, and a little extra salt or pepper can really enhance the dish. If you have any fresh herbs on hand, like basil or thyme, throw those in at the end for an extra burst of flavor. And remember, this dish is versatile—you can swap out the sausage for chicken or even add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta, knowing what’s in it can be helpful! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re diving into! Enjoy this hearty meal with the confidence that it’s packed with flavor and satisfying goodness.
FAQ Section
I’ve had a few questions pop up about this garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta, so let’s tackle them together!
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! While I love Italian sausage for its flavor, you can use chicken sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage for a twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What if I don’t have shrimp?
No worries! You can easily substitute the shrimp with chicken or even add some seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a delicious variation.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the components ahead of time, but I recommend cooking the pasta just before serving to keep it from getting mushy.
How can I make it spicier?
If you’re a spice lover, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or even add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just use gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set for a tasty gluten-free meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta, simply place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days. When it comes to reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to maintain that creamy texture. Just add a splash of chicken broth or a little butter to help bring it back to life and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, and voila—you’re ready to enjoy those delicious flavors all over again!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Garlic Butter Pasta. If you’re interested in the health benefits of garlic, you can read more about it here.
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta recipe that combines flavors of seafood and spices.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces sausage, sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; simmer for 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked spaghetti in the skillet until well coated.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Fresh shrimp works best, but frozen can be used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta
