There’s something irresistible about a skillet brimming with plump shrimp, smoky sausage, and perfectly al dente pasta all coated in a glossy garlic butter sauce. This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta feels like a culinary hug—warm, satisfying, and bursting with zesty lemon brightness. As soon as you stir that first forkful, you’ll notice how the silky strands of linguine twirl effortlessly around juicy shrimp and tender slices of sausage, each bite delivering layers of flavor: the silky butter fattiness, the garlicky punch, the subtle heat from red pepper flakes, and the fragrant Italian herbs tying everything together. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table pause, take a breath, and share a collective smile. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or showing off your home-cook skills on the weekend, this one-pan wonder makes you look like a seasoned chef without all the fuss.
Growing up in a busy household, I learned the magic of one-skillet dinners: minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a fuss-free process that lets you enjoy the meal as soon as it’s ready. With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, this recipe is an intermediate-level crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, clocks in around 650 calories per serving, and can easily adapt to what’s in your pantry—swap linguine for fettuccine or penne, add a splash of white wine instead of chicken broth, or dial up the heat with extra red pepper flakes. If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed seafood pasta that feels both elegant and homey, this skillet recipe is your new go-to. So grab your apron, heat up that skillet, and let’s dive into the magic of garlic butter shrimp and sausage pasta!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE SKILLET PASTA
Before we dive into the cooking steps, let’s break down the star players that turn simple pantry staples into a show-stopping one-pan meal. Each ingredient brings its own unique texture and flavor, coming together in a harmonious dance of zesty, buttery goodness.
- Linguine Pasta: A long, flat noodle that soaks up every drop of sauce, providing the perfect canvas for the savory garlic butter and lemon-infused broth.
- Olive Oil: The initial cooking fat that helps achieve a light sear on shrimp and sausage, while infusing a subtle fruitiness that complements the richer butter.
- Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience; these plump morsels cook in minutes, adding tender, succulent seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with smoky sausage.
- Smoked Sausage: Thinly sliced to provide smoky, meaty bites throughout the dish. Its robust profile brings depth and a hint of spice to every forkful.
- Unsalted Butter: The backbone of the sauce. Melts into a velvety coating that carries garlic, herbs, and lemon to every inch of the pasta and proteins.
- Garlic: Minced cloves release aromatic oils as they sauté, lending a bold, savory punch that defines the garlic butter aspect of the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs—oregano, basil, thyme—that adds earthy, herbal undertones and balances the richness of butter and sausage.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a gentle kick. Adjust to taste to keep things mild or turn up the heat.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning essentials. They enhance natural flavors and ensure each element—from shrimp to pasta—is perfectly seasoned.
- Chicken Broth: Adds body and savory depth to the sauce, transforming melted butter into a more dynamic, broth-based finish.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish with fresh citrus acidity, cutting through richness and lifting the flavors to a zesty peak.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated to melt lightly over the hot pasta, adding a nutty, salty finish and creamy texture.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top to introduce a burst of color, freshness, and mild herbaceous notes in each bite.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE SKILLET PASTA
Now that you’ve got all the ingredients prepped, let’s walk through the cooking process step by step. From perfectly al dente pasta to that irresistible garlic butter sauce, follow along to create this quick, flavor-packed one-pan wonder.
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salty water to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook until it’s al dente, firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain in a colander and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sausage, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding shrimp to achieve a quick sear. Flip sausage slices so both sides get golden edges. Once shrimp curl into a “C” shape and turn opaque, transfer everything to a plate.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and additional salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Keep the butter moving to prevent browning. Stir in garlic until it releases its aromatic oils, then sprinkle in herbs and red pepper for a robust, flavorful base.
4. Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—this fond adds extra depth. The sauce should thicken slightly and become glossy.
5. Return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Gently toss so the sauce coats each strand of linguine and every piece of protein. Heat for another minute or so to ensure everything is piping hot.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Let residual heat melt the cheese just enough to cling to noodles, then finish with a handful of bright parsley for color and freshness.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta!
- Dish straight from the skillet for that rustic, family-style charm. Encourage everyone to dig in while it’s hot and the cheese is still melty.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE SKILLET PASTA
When it’s time to bring this skillet masterpiece to the table, consider these creative ideas to elevate your presentation and round out the meal. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, the right accompaniments make every bite shine.
- Serve with garlic bread: Toast slices of baguette with a smear of garlic butter and a sprinkle of parsley. The crunchy bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and adds a satisfying contrast to the tender pasta.
- Pair with a crisp green salad: Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion with a light lemon vinaigrette. The bright, acidic dressing cleanses the palate between rich bites of shrimp and sausage.
- Offer fresh lemon wedges on the side: Let diners squeeze extra citrus over their plates for a zesty kick. The additional brightness amplifies the sauce’s lemon notes, making each forkful more vibrant.
- Add a glass of chilled white wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine’s acidity balances the butteriness of the sauce and complements seafood flavors, turning a simple dinner into a more sophisticated experience.
HOW TO STORE GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE SKILLET PASTA
Storing leftover pasta properly ensures you can enjoy those delicious flavors all week long without sacrificing texture or taste. Here are some tried-and-true methods to keep your shrimp and sausage skillet pasta fresh, vibrant, and ready for reheating.
- Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled pasta into an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store on the middle shelf for up to 3 days. Refrigeration helps maintain the sauce’s creaminess while keeping shrimp and sausage firm.
- Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, use a freezer-safe container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the pasta surface before securing the lid—this minimizes air exposure and prevents freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Gentle Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid the microwave when possible; it can make pasta rubbery if unevenly heated.
- Separate Components: If you anticipate storing portions, consider keeping pasta and shrimp/sausage separate. Store in two containers so you can reheat proteins gently without overcooking them, then toss with freshly warmed pasta and sauce.
CONCLUSION
Wrapping up this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta journey feels almost bittersweet—this dish is so delicious you might wish it never ends, yet you’ll be excited to revisit the recipe again and again. We’ve covered everything from assembling and understanding the key ingredients to mastering each cooking step, and even shared top-notch serving suggestions and storage hacks so you can keep the party going long after the first meal. This one-pan wonder, with its zesty lemon notes, silky butter, garlic punch, smoky sausage, and succulent shrimp, proves that weeknight dinners don’t have to be dull or uninspired. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or craving a picky-family-pleaser, this intermediate-level recipe delivers on flavor, presentation, and ease. The tactile joy of tossing steaming linguine with that vibrant sauce right in the skillet is matched only by the satisfied “Mmm!” chorus you’ll hear around the table.
Feel free to print this article or save it in your recipe binder for quick reference on busy evenings. Below, you’ll also find a helpful FAQ section addressing common questions and troubleshooting tips that may pop up as you cook. If you give this shrimp and sausage pasta a whirl, I’d love to hear about your experience: How did you customize the spice level? What side dishes did you serve alongside? Did you garnish with extra lemon zest or pair it with a cool salad? Drop a comment with your feedback, questions, or any twists you tried—and let’s keep this conversation going. After all, sharing kitchen victories and tasty insights is half the fun when you’re cooking up something as memorable as this flavorful skillet pasta. Enjoy!
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
Description
Savor succulent shrimp and smoky sausage tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and lemony broth, all married with perfectly cooked linguine for a quick, flavor-packed one-pan pasta feast.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sausage, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and additional salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
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Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta!
Note
- Feel free to substitute the linguine with any pasta of your choice.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Garnishing with lemon zest can enhance the citrusy flavor.
- Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
