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Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
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Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is a quick, delicious one-pan meal featuring succulent shrimp and smoky sausage tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with pasta. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a comforting weekend dinner, it balances bold flavors and satisfying textures while being easily customizable for dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Sausage

  • 1 pound fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced (such as kielbasa or andouille)

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 4 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free butter substitute)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth or white wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sliced smoked sausage until browned and slightly crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Sauté the Shrimp: Add butter to the skillet and melt. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned. Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Make the Sauce: Pour chicken broth or white wine into the skillet, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer and reduce slightly. Stir in remaining butter and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Combine Everything: Return cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to finish.

Notes

  • Season shrimp and sausage lightly during cooking to maximize flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; cook just until pink to keep tender.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for best aroma and flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to help keep the sauce smooth and silky.
  • Render sausage first to add depth and richness to sauce.
  • Use a dairy-free butter substitute and skip or replace Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
  • Choose gluten-free pasta and verify sausage and broth ingredients for gluten-free adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, sausage skillet pasta, one-pan pasta, quick dinner, seafood pasta, smoked sausage pasta, buttery garlic sauce

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/garlic-butter-shrimp-and-sausage-skillet-pasta/