Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta combining tender large shrimp, smoky sausage, and al dente pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of heat and fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Protein
- 8 ounces smoked sausage such as andouille or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisped. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: In the same skillet, season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is coated evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for brightness before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Smoked turkey sausage can be used as a lighter alternative to smoked sausage.
- For extra color and nutrition, add fresh spinach or halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet when making the sauce.
