Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta is a delicious and hearty one-pan meal featuring succulent shrimp, smoky kielbasa sausage, and a creamy tomato-herb sauce cooked together with tender fettuccine. It’s a perfect blend of savory flavors and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces Kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces (or other cooked smoked sausage)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
Herbs & Spices
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Liquids & Fats
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (plus more as needed)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (plus more as needed)
Pasta
- 10 ounces fettuccini (or other hearty pasta)
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the sausage.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavor and slightly caramelize it.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) and add dried rosemary, parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the fettuccine pasta to the skillet, pressing it down to submerge it in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra chicken broth if the pasta needs more liquid to cook fully.
- Finish the Sauce: When the pasta is almost tender, stir in the heavy cream along with the cooked sausage and shrimp. Cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute the fettuccine with other sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Use smoked sausage varieties other than kielbasa if you want a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.
- Ensure the pasta is fully submerged while cooking to achieve an even cook and creamy sauce.
