Pasta with shrimp and sausage is a mouthwatering dish with succulent shrimp and flavorful sausage, paired with tender pasta and a rich, savory sauce, this dish is perfect for both casual family dinners and special gatherings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This pasta with shrimp and sausage is a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The shrimp provides a delicate, sweet seafood flavor, while the sausage adds a hearty, spiced element to the dish. The pasta, whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, acts as the ideal canvas for soaking up the delicious sauce, making every bite satisfying. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a dinner party.
Tips and Tricks
Choosing the Right Shrimp: When selecting shrimp for this dish, opt for large, fresh shrimp. Frozen shrimp can work well too, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. It’s best to use peeled and deveined shrimp to save time and effort.
Sausage Selection: The type of sausage you choose can dramatically change the flavor profile of the dish. Spicy sausage like chorizo adds a kick, while a milder sausage like Italian pork sausage adds a savory richness. If you’re aiming for a leaner option, chicken sausage is an excellent choice.
Cook Shrimp Separately: To avoid overcooking the shrimp, cook them separately from the sausage. Shrimp cooks quickly, and you want them to remain tender and juicy. Searing them just until pink is ideal. Once cooked, set them aside to finish the dish later.
Pasta Cooking Tip: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce and absorb its flavors. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Balancing the Sauce: The key to a great pasta sauce is balancing the flavors. If you prefer a creamy sauce, you can incorporate heavy cream or half-and-half. For a lighter version, a garlic and white wine sauce with a dash of lemon juice adds brightness without the heaviness.
Variations
- Spicy Version: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sausage as it cooks or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce. This will elevate the dish and give it a spicy kick that perfectly complements the shrimp and sausage.
- Creamy Pasta with Shrimp and Sausage: For a richer flavor, you can make a creamy sauce by adding heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic. This creates a luscious, velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Vegetarian Twist: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try substituting the sausage with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also add some plant-based sausage for an added flavor boost.
- Add More Vegetables: To make this dish even more hearty, try adding spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers. These vegetables will add both color and nutrition to your meal.
How to Serve
Pasta with shrimp and sausage can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion:
- Casual Dinner: Serve it in large bowls with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. This makes for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Dinner Party: Garnish the dish with fresh basil, parsley, or grated Parmesan for an elegant presentation. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors of the dish.
- Meal Prep: This dish can be pre-portioned into individual servings, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick, delicious lunch or dinner.
How to Store
Leftover pasta with shrimp and sausage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring it back to its creamy consistency. If you want to freeze the dish, store it in a freezer-safe container, and it should last for up to 1 month. However, keep in mind that pasta with shrimp may not freeze as well as other dishes, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure that they are fully thawed before cooking. If you’re using frozen shrimp, it’s also helpful to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before cooking.
2. What type of sausage is best for this dish?
Both spicy and mild sausages work well. Italian sausage adds a savory depth, while chorizo gives the dish a bold, spicy kick. You can also opt for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While pasta is best when served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp, sausage, and sauce in advance, then cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving. This can save time and make for a more stress-free meal.
4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes can easily be incorporated into the dish. Simply sauté them with the sausage or add them to the sauce.
5. How do I make this dish spicier?
If you like your pasta with shrimp and sausage on the spicier side, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce while cooking. Adjust to your desired heat level!
Pasta With Shrimp and Sausage
Pasta with shrimp and sausage is a mouthwatering dish with succulent shrimp and flavorful sausage, paired with tender pasta and a rich, savory sauce, this dish is perfect for both casual family dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp thawed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (andouille, kielbasa, chicken, etc)
- 14 oz canned coconut milk or coconut cream
- 1 lb pasta, boiled
- 2 1/2 tsp old bay seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan, optional
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
Instructions
For the creamy Sauce
- Heat a sauce pan to medium heat. Add garlic cloves, 2 tsp. of old bay seasoning, tomatoes and coconut milk.
- Bring to a boil. Cool down and tranfer to blender and blend until smooth.
For the shrimp sausage pasta
- Boil the pasta as per the package directions and set aside.
- Heat a large pan on medium heat. Add butter and oil. Once hot, add thawed shrimp with the remaining Old Bay seasoning.
- Stir cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until pink and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Let the juice stay in the pan.
- Add 1/2 tbsp of oil and add the sausage and cook until browned on both sides.
- Add the cooked shrimp and pasta back to the pan. Add half of the sauce and give it a good stir.
- Add the remaining sauce and continue to toss with the pasta or until well combined.
- Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 513Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 17gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 161mgSodium 1458mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 27g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
This pasta with shrimp and sausage is a crowd-pleaser that combines rich, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness from the shrimp and spice from the sausage. Whether you opt for a light garlic and white wine sauce or a creamy, decadent version, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is both easy to prepare and infinitely customizable, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, filling pasta dish.
