Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti – Fettuccine adds that comforting bite, but spaghetti works great too.; 2 tablespoons olive oil – To sauté the sausage and shrimp.; ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh or frozen (just thaw beforehand). Go for medium-sized shrimp for a balanced bite.; ½ lb smoked sausage, sliced – Kielbasa or andouille bring a hearty, savory twist.; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – This is the base of our garlic butter sauce (aka the star of the show).; 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes all the difference.; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a gentle kick without being too spicy.; ¼ cup chicken broth – Helps deglaze the pan and pull everything together.; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that rich, cheesy finish.; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh parsley – For a pop of color and freshness.; 

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A cozy, comforting meal full of rich flavor — perfect for busy weeknights

Let Me Tell You Why This Dish Is on Weekly Rotation…

Some nights, you just need a win. Something hearty, something savory, something the whole family will actually eat without complaints. This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta? Total mom win.

It’s cozy and rich, packed with tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and that heavenly garlic butter sauce we all dream about. Bonus? It all comes together in about 30 minutes — no complicated steps, no fancy ingredients.

I made this on a random Tuesday with half a box of fettuccine and a lonely bag of shrimp in the freezer. My kids devoured it, and now it’s on our “dinner hero” list.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe

Let me just say — this recipe is a total lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t have an hour to spare. Here’s why this garlic butter shrimp and sausage pasta is on repeat in our house:

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta 8

It’s rich, cozy, and full of flavor. That garlic butter sauce? It clings to every noodle and wraps around the smoky sausage and tender shrimp like a warm hug.
One pan, one pasta pot — minimal cleanup. Because who has time for a pile of dishes after dinner?
Ready in about 30 minutes. Yep, even if the kids are asking for snacks mid-cook or homework help while you stir.
Kid-approved, husband-approved… picky-eater approved. Seriously — I was shocked when all three of mine asked for seconds!
Flexible and forgiving. Swap the sausage, skip the shrimp, throw in some veggies — it adapts to what you’ve got on hand.
It feels fancy without the fuss. Whether it’s a casual Tuesday or a last-minute “company’s coming” dinner, this dish shows up.

Trust me — once you make it, it’ll become one of those go-to recipes you turn to again and again.

How to make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta

Ingredient yo will need (with little mom notes!)

Fettuccine or Spaghetti (8 oz)
I went with fettuccine because I love how it holds onto the garlic butter sauce — so silky and satisfying. Spaghetti works just as well though, and if you’re gluten-free, any long-cut pasta will do the trick.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
Just enough to get everything sizzling. I use extra virgin olive oil for the flavor, but honestly, any neutral oil will work if you’re in a pinch on a weeknight.

Shrimp (½ lb, peeled and deveined)
I used medium raw shrimp (thawed from frozen — mom life!). They stay so tender and juicy when sautéed. If you’re in a hurry, pre-cooked shrimp totally work too — just reduce the cooking time.

Smoked Sausage (½ lb, sliced)
Kielbasa or andouille bring that bold, smoky flavor that makes this dish so cozy. Want a lighter option? Go for chicken sausage — still hearty, but a little leaner.

Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons)
This is the base of our dreamy garlic butter sauce. I stick to unsalted so I can control the seasoning. Trust me, that golden butter bubbling with garlic? It’s everything.

Fresh Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Nothing beats real garlic here — it makes the whole kitchen smell like dinner is happening. If you’re short on time, a spoonful of jarred minced garlic can totally step in.

Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional)
I like to add just a little sprinkle for some gentle heat. Totally optional if you’ve got littles at the table (or just don’t want spice).

Chicken Broth (¼ cup)
A splash of broth helps bring the sauce together and adds that savory depth. You can also sub in veggie broth or even just pasta water in a pinch.

Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated)
It melts right into the sauce and gives it a rich, cheesy finish. I always say yes to Parmesan. Feel free to use Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano if that’s what you have on hand.

Salt and Pepper, to taste
Give it a taste at the end and season as needed — especially after the Parmesan goes in, since it adds some saltiness on its own.

Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This gives the dish a bright, fresh finish. I usually keep a bunch in the fridge and toss it on top of everything. No fresh parsley? A pinch of dried works fine — just stir it into the sauce instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Boil your fettuccine or spaghetti in well-salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside, saving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Pro mom tip: Always save a little pasta water — it helps make the sauce silky later on!

Step 2: Sauté the sausage

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in your shrimp, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re pink and just cooked. Remove and set aside with the sausage.

Step 4: Make the garlic butter sauce

Lower the heat a bit and add your butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Add chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute to blend the flavors. If needed, add a splash of pasta water for more sauciness.

Step 5: Bring it all together

Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Toss in your cooked pasta, Parmesan, and a little more pasta water if things look dry.

Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta Recipe Tips for Busy Moms

Because let’s be real — weeknight cooking is all about making it work with what you’ve got. Here are some of my favorite tricks to make this recipe fast, flexible, and totally stress-free:

Creamy garlic butter pasta in a skillet with shrimp, sausage, and a pat of butter — Garlic butter pasta in a skillet with shrimp, smoked sausage, and melty butter

Use pre-cooked or frozen shrimp

Don’t feel like peeling shrimp after a long day? Grab the pre-cooked kind! Just warm them through for a minute or two at the end to avoid overcooking.

Slice the sausage ahead of time

If you meal prep even a little, go ahead and slice the sausage earlier in the week. It’ll save you those precious five minutes when everyone’s asking “what’s for dinner?”

Make the pasta in the morning

Boil the pasta during your coffee time (or while packing lunches). Store it in a bit of olive oil in the fridge, and toss it into the skillet when you’re ready.

Double the sauce for leftovers

If your crew loves saucy pasta, double the garlic butter sauce and save the leftovers — it reheats like a dream for lunch the next day.

Add frozen veggies

Need to sneak in some greens? Toss in frozen peas, spinach, or broccoli florets right into the sauce. No need to thaw — just stir and let the heat do its thing.

Make it in one big skillet

If your skillet is large enough, you can boil the pasta in another pot while cooking everything else in one pan — less mess, faster clean-up!

Let the kids help!

Let little hands sprinkle the Parmesan or stir in the parsley. They’ll love being part of the process (and are more likely to eat it!).

Perfect Pairings for a Cozy Family Meal

This dish is rich, hearty, and full of bold flavors, so I like to keep the sides simple and fresh. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your crew on a Tuesday night, these easy add-ons make dinner feel complete:

Crisp Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A light, zesty salad is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Just toss some mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes with a quick lemon vinaigrette. Boom — done.

Try it with our Quick Everyday Green Salad — it’s on the table in 5 minutes and pairs with everything.

Warm Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls

Because dipping bread into leftover garlic butter sauce is basically a love language
Keep it easy with store-bought rolls or whip up a batch of our Homestyle Garlic Breadsticks — they’re freezer-friendly too!

Roasted Veggies

Want to sneak in more veggies? Roast some broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini in the oven while the pasta cooks. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan go a long way.

A Light White Wine (for the grown-ups)

If it’s a sit-down, slow kind of night, a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is lovely with the buttery shrimp and savory sausage.

Something Sweet to Finish

After a savory pasta dinner, I love serving something light and fresh for dessert. Try our No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Cups or Chocolate Yogurt Bark — kid-friendly and zero oven time.

Looking for Another Cozy Garlic Butter Dinner?

If your family loves that rich, buttery flavor (like mine does!), you have to try my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
It’s just as comforting, super quick, and packed with creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfect for another cozy weeknight win!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large Nonstick Skillet or Sauté Pan: This recipe comes together in one pan, so having a deep, nonstick skillet is key. It gives the shrimp and sausage that perfect sear without sticking, and there’s plenty of room to toss in the pasta too.

Tip: Go for one with a glass lid — great for simmering that garlic butter sauce without drying it out.

Pasta Tongs or a Silicone Spaghetti Spoon: To toss everything together at the end (and serve without splashing sauce everywhere!), a good pasta tong or spaghetti spoon is a total lifesaver. It makes it super easy to mix the noodles evenly into that rich, buttery sauce.

FAQ – Your Questions Answered!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Totally! Fettuccine and spaghetti are great, but penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta work just as well. Use what your family likes — or what’s already in the pantry!

What if I only have cooked shrimp?

No problem at all. Just toss them in at the end, after the sauce is made, and let them heat through gently for a minute or two. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so a light touch is perfect.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep everything in advance — cook the pasta, slice the sausage, even make the sauce. Store each part separately and toss them together when you’re ready to eat. It also reheats really well with a splash of broth or pasta water.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes add a tiny kick, but they’re completely optional. I often skip them when cooking for the kids.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. This recipe is super flexible. Spinach, peas, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini are great add-ins. I like tossing in a handful of baby spinach right before serving — it wilts beautifully in the warm sauce.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days in an airtight container. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a little broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

I don’t usually recommend freezing shrimp-based pastas — the texture can get a bit off. That said, you can freeze it if you need to. Just know that the shrimp might be a little softer when reheated.

Final Thoughts — From My Kitchen to Yours

You know what’s funny? The first time I made this garlic butter shrimp and sausage skillet pasta, it was kind of a last-minute dinner situation. I had shrimp in the freezer, half a box of pasta, and no plan. My husband walked in, took one bite, and said, “Okay, this is going on the dinner rotation.” Now every time I cook shrimp, he asks, “Is it the garlic butter one?” — and honestly, who can blame him?

This dish is rich, savory, and full of comforting flavors that just hit the spot — especially after a long day. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but cozy enough to feel a little special too. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or making a casual family dinner that feels like a treat, this one’s a winner.

If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @SavorAtHome — I love seeing your kitchen moments