Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Pasta: Prepare to be transported to a realm of culinary bliss with this incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish! Imagine tender shrimp and savory sausage, perfectly coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, all nestled amongst perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of combining shrimp, sausage, and pasta in a garlic butter sauce are somewhat debated, the concept draws inspiration from classic Italian-American cuisine, where resourceful cooks often blended readily available ingredients to create hearty and delicious meals. This particular combination has gained immense popularity in recent years, becoming a beloved staple in many households.

What makes Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Pasta so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of richness and freshness. The garlic butter sauce, infused with aromatic herbs, clings beautifully to the pasta, while the succulent shrimp and flavorful sausage provide a delightful contrast. People adore this dish because it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, yet it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests. The creamy, garlicky sauce, the slight spice from the sausage, and the delicate sweetness of the shrimp create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Plus, who can resist a generous helping of pasta bathed in garlic butter?

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work best)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Sausage and Shrimp:

1. First, let’s get the sausage ready. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Set the sausage aside in a bowl.
2. Now, it’s shrimp time! In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. While the sausage and shrimp are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help create a creamy sauce! Drain the pasta and set aside.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. Now for the star of the show: the garlic butter sauce! In the same skillet you used for the sausage and shrimp (no need to wash it!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic is no fun!
2. If you’re using white wine, now’s the time to add it. Pour the wine into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly. This will add a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce.
3. Stir in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Add the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to combine everything.
3. Pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help emulsify the sauce and create a creamy texture.
4. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again to combine.

Serving:

1. Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish.
2. Enjoy! This dish is best served hot and fresh. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to this dish. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach would be delicious additions.
• Use different protein: If you’re not a fan of sausage, you can substitute it with chicken or even just use more shrimp.
• Creamy sauce: For an even creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the skillet along with the pasta water.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the sausage and shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the dish.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Detailed Ingredient Notes:

• Pasta: I prefer linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for this recipe because their long strands hold the sauce well. However, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne or rotini would also work well.
• Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best results. Make sure to peel and devein them before cooking. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
• Italian Sausage: I recommend using sweet Italian sausage for this recipe, but you can use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier dish. Make sure to remove the sausage from its casings before cooking.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe because it allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish. If you only have salted butter, you may need to reduce the amount of salt you add to the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for this recipe. Don’t use garlic powder or pre-minced garlic, as they won’t have the same flavor.
• White Wine: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, works best in this recipe. The wine adds a lovely acidity and depth of flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the dish. Use flat-leaf parsley (also known as Italian parsley) for the best flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor to the dish. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Oregano: Dried oregano adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Use a good-quality olive oil for this recipe.
• Lemon Wedges: Lemon wedges add a bright, zesty finish to the dish. They’re optional, but highly recommended.

Troubleshooting:

• Sauce is too thick: If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Sauce is too thin: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer to allow it to reduce. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to thicken the sauce.
• Shrimp is overcooked: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Cook them just until they are pink and opaque.
• Pasta is undercooked: Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm but not crunchy.
• Garlic is burnt: Burnt garlic will make the sauce taste bitter. If you burn the garlic, start over with fresh garlic.

Conclusion:

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The combination of succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and perfectly al dente pasta, all bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, is simply irresistible. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s quick, easy, and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Forget complicated recipes with endless ingredients – this one is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. If you’re not a fan of sausage, you can easily substitute it with chicken or even leave it out altogether for a lighter dish. Want to add some veggies? Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would be delicious additions. Serving Suggestions: * Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. * A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the pasta. * Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. * For a more elegant presentation, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. * Consider a crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to pair with the dish. Variations to Explore: * Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Pasta: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for an extra decadent touch. * Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Pasta: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty twist. * Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Pasta: Incorporate some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick. * Seafood Medley Pasta: Add other seafood like scallops or mussels for a more complex flavor profile. * Vegetarian Option: Replace the shrimp and sausage with mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian alternative. I’m confident that once you try this Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Pasta, it will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight, a casual get-together with friends, or even a special occasion. The aroma alone will have everyone clamoring for a taste! So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m so excited for you to experience the deliciousness of this recipe. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, I am here to help!

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