If you are looking for a dish that bursts with flavor, comfort, and just the right amount of indulgence, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining succulent shrimp and smoky sausage with a luscious tomato and cream sauce all tossed with hearty fettuccine, this skillet meal delivers a perfectly balanced dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a one-pan wonder that effortlessly brings together rich textures and vibrant herbs, making every bite an irresistible treat you’ll want to share with loved ones again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that each play an essential role in creating flavor depth, vibrant color, and satisfying textures. From the smoky sausage to the fragrant blend of herbs and the creamy finish, every component contributes to the delicious harmony of this dish.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and creating that beautiful, slightly crispy texture on sausage and shrimp.
- Shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined, they add tenderness and a touch of ocean-fresh sweetness.
- Kielbasa sausage (12 ounces): Sliced into 1-inch pieces, it gives the dish a smoky, savory backbone.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The star aromatic that infuses every bite with rich flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates tomato flavor and adds a deep, umami-rich base.
- Canned crushed tomatoes (1 cup): Provides fresh tomato brightness and a luscious sauce texture.
- Dried rosemary, parsley, oregano, thyme, basil (each ½ teaspoon): A fragrant bouquet that elevates the sauce’s herbal depth.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds smoky warmth and subtle earthiness.
- Salt and pepper (each ½ teaspoon): Enhances and balances flavors perfectly.
- Chicken broth (2½ cups): The flavorful liquid that cooks the pasta and enriches the sauce.
- Fettuccine pasta (10 ounces): Hearty and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Heavy cream (¾ cup): Gives a silky, indulgent finish to the sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (1 teaspoon, chopped, optional): Adds a fresh, herby pop of color and flavor as garnish.
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. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook it until it develops a beautiful brown crust, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it releases those smoky, savory flavors that will enrich the entire dish. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside to keep that perfect crisp texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Next, toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them on each side until they turn pink and opaque—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes per side. Quick cooking ensures the shrimp remain juicy and tender without becoming rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set them aside with the sausage.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, use the leftover oils and bits to your advantage. Add the minced garlic, sauté it gently for about a minute until fragrant—this infuses the dish with that classic garlic aroma you crave. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for 1 to 2 minutes; this deepens the tomato flavor and adds an umami punch to your sauce.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Herbs
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the dried rosemary, parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the herbs and spices evenly distribute throughout the sauce base. This combination of herbs is what makes the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe so irresistibly aromatic and flavorful.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Cook Pasta
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the fettuccine, pushing the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and let it cook following the package instructions, usually around 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a splash more broth if the pasta looks uncovered. This method lets the pasta absorb all the rich flavors of the sauce as it cooks, creating a deeply satisfying one-pan meal.
Step 6: Finish with Cream, Sausage, and Shrimp
When the pasta is just tender, stir in the heavy cream along with the cooked sausage and shrimp. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so everything heats through and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed—this final step ensures the dish is perfectly balanced and irresistible on the plate.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds more than just a pop of vibrant green; it injects a fresh, herbaceous brightness that beautifully contrasts the rich, creamy sauce. Consider also grating a little parmesan over the top if you want a salty, nutty touch.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to add a fresh crunch and balance out the richness. A crusty garlic bread or warm baguette is also perfect to mop up whatever sauce remains on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe straight from the skillet for a rustic, casual vibe that invites everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate it elegantly with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a twist of fresh black pepper to impress guests with simple sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will keep well for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While the sauce and seafood are delicious fresh, freezing is possible but not highly recommended as shrimp can become rubbery. If freezing, separate the pasta and sauce in freezer-safe containers and consume within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth as necessary to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and preserve the dish’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa is ideal for its smoky richness, you can swap in andouille, chorizo, or even a milder smoked sausage based on your preference. Just be sure it’s pre-cooked since the recipe assumes the sausage only needs browning.
What type of pasta works best?
Hearty, flat pasta like fettuccine is perfect here because it holds onto the creamy, tomato-infused sauce beautifully. However, penne or rigatoni are great alternatives if you prefer a shape with tubes or ridges.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep the sauce rich and creamy without the dairy. The flavor will differ slightly but still be delicious.
How spicy is the dish?
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe focuses on savory and smoky flavors rather than heat. You can always add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you want to introduce a bit of a kick.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the sausage and shrimp ahead, and even make the sauce up to two days in advance. When ready to serve, simply combine everything and cook the pasta fresh to maintain the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe is the kind of meal that feels special yet comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends. With its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and comforting creaminess, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t hesitate—grab your skillet and get cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining succulent shrimp, smoky kielbasa sausage, and tender fettuccini pasta in a creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces Kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces (or other cooked smoked sausage)
Produce & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Pantry
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (plus more as needed)
- 10 ounces fettuccini (or other hearty pasta)
Dairy
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (plus more as needed)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisped, about 5 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the sausage.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt, stirring frequently to avoid browning.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor and remove the raw taste.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season the sauce with dried rosemary, parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all herbs and spices thoroughly with the tomato base.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the fettuccini pasta to the skillet, pressing it down into the liquid so it’s mostly submerged. Cover the skillet and cook according to the pasta package instructions (typically about 10–12 minutes), stirring occasionally. Add more chicken broth as needed to keep the pasta covered and prevent sticking.
- Finish the Dish: When the pasta is almost tender, stir in the heavy cream along with the cooked sausage and shrimp. Continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and everything is heated through.
- Adjust and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute kielbasa with any cooked smoked sausage or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- If desired, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
