Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta: A Weeknight Dinner Delight
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, look no further than this garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta. Packed with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a hint of spice, this recipe combines tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and fresh veggies with a creamy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy in no time.
Imagine twirling al dente pasta coated in a savory garlic-butter sauce with juicy shrimp and crispy sausage in every bite. The addition of fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes not only enhances the flavor but also provides a pop of color, elevating the overall presentation. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A savory blend of garlic, butter, and Parmesan balanced with the smokiness of sausage and sweetness of shrimp.
- Texture: Creamy pasta complemented by juicy shrimp, meaty sausage, and tender spinach.
- Aroma: A garlicky, buttery aroma infused with hints of smoked sausage and fresh herbs.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant greens, bright red tomatoes, and golden shrimp create a feast for the eyes.
- Skill Level Needed: Easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned home cooks.
- Special Equipment: A large skillet and a pasta pot are all you need to make this dish.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is rated as easy, making it beginner-friendly but exciting enough for food enthusiasts.
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: A fusion of Italian-inspired flavors with a Southern twist from the smoked sausage.
- Cost: Moderate, using budget-friendly staples like pasta and spinach while incorporating premium ingredients like shrimp and sausage.
- Season: Perfect year-round, but especially delightful during spring and summer when fresh spinach and tomatoes are in season.
- Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta truly has something for everyone. First, let’s talk about flavor—there’s a delightful combination of savory, smoky, and garlicky goodness that will have your taste buds dancing. The shrimp brings a natural sweetness, while the sausage adds a bold, smoky kick.
Even better, this recipe’s convenience is unmatched. By using just one skillet for cooking the protein and veggies, and one pot for the pasta, cleanup is a breeze. Plus, with the entire dish ready in just 30 minutes, you’ll have more time to spend with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
Nutritionally, this dish balances the decadence of butter and Parmesan with the wholesomeness of fresh spinach and tomatoes. It’s also a simple way to incorporate protein, fiber, and healthy fats into your meal.
Hosting a dinner or entertaining? This dish will impress your guests without requiring hours of prep. Serve it alongside a crusty loaf of bread and a glass of white wine, and you have a dinner to remember.
Finally, the cost-effectiveness of this recipe ensures that you don’t need to break your budget for a delicious home-cooked meal. By using versatile pantry staples, you can whip up this dish without an extensive shopping list.
The Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Transfer the sausage to where the shrimp are resting.
- Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Toss in the spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything to coat well in the garlic butter sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the cheese to melt and coat the mixture evenly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges for an extra layer of brightness.
Recipe Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green option.
- Add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
