How long does garlic butter shrimp and sausage pasta take to cook?

About 30 minutes total, from start to finish! Honestly, the hands-on time is probably only 15 minutes. It's one of those recipes where you're just moving from one step to the next, and before you know it, dinner's on the table. Perfect for busy weeknights, you know?

Can I use different types of pasta or protein in this skillet dish?

Absolutely! I've tested this with both fettuccine and spaghetti, but honestly, any medium-sized pasta like penne or rotini would work great. For protein, if you're not a fan of shrimp, chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces or even sliced chicken sausage would be delicious. Just adjust cooking times!

How do I store leftover garlic butter shrimp and sausage pasta?

You can totally store the leftovers! Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The thing is, the flavors really develop overnight, so sometimes the leftovers actually taste better! To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave or gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth works wonders.

Why did my shrimp turn out rubbery in the pasta skillet?

Oh, I've been there! The first time I made this, my shrimp were a little tough. The secret is to not overcrowd the pan and cook them quickly, just until they turn pink, then remove them. They'll finish cooking when you add them back to the hot pasta at the end. Don't walk away from the stove for this part!

What are some good side dishes to serve with this shrimp and sausage pasta?

Honestly, this dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I love serving it with a simple side salad with a bright, zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness. And a crusty piece of garlic bread for soaking up all that amazing sauce? Yes, please! My kids go crazy for that combo.

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Sausage Pasta

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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By Chef Clara

Last Updated: May 13, 2026

Garlic butter shrimp and sausage pasta—bold, buttery, and one-skillet easy. A quick dinner packed with flavor, protein, and minimal cleanup.

Why this one earns a spot

A quick and easy one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights
A flavorful combination of succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and rich garlic butter sauce
Uses simple ingredients that create a restaurant-quality dish at home
Customizable with your favorite pasta and spice level
Perfect for seafood and pasta lovers alike

What you need

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth and reserved pasta water, then simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

How much it makes

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving

Mix it up

Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in more Parmesan or a touch of mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken or use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Low-Carb Version: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Will it keep?

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

How long does Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta last in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. This dish freezes well for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Can I substitute butter in this recipe?

I’ve found that olive oil can replace butter for a lighter flavor, though you’ll miss some richness. Ghee is another option, offering a similar buttery taste with a slightly nutty note. For a creamy texture, a touch of heavy cream could be added with less butter.

What internal temperature should chicken reach?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F measured with a meat thermometer, per USDA FSIS guidelines. After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.

What goes well with Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta?

In my experience, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement. Crusty garlic bread is excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce. Steamed asparagus or broccoli also adds a nice fresh vegetable component to this hearty skillet meal.

Is Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta gluten-free?

This recipe contains gluten from the fettuccine or spaghetti pasta. To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the traditional pasta for a gluten-free alternative like brown rice pasta, lentil pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Worth knowing

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that combines the richness of garlic butter, the smokiness of sausage, and the tenderness of shrimp. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying dish for guests, this recipe delivers delicious results every time!

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Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: PT30M
Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Garlic butter shrimp and sausage pasta—bold, buttery, and one-skillet easy. A quick dinner packed with flavor, protein, and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseSalt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth and reserved pasta water, then simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor of the butter sauce for a richer taste.
Adjust Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes for heat or tone it down with extra Parmesan for a milder, creamier finish.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Category: Seafood
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American