Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

If you love creamy pasta dishes with a twist, this Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is your next go-to recipe. Combining tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and colorful sautéed peppers in a rich, cheesy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is pure comfort food at its finest.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or special occasions, this pasta is both impressive and easy to make. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors that will make it an instant family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Flavor-packed: Smoky sausage, garlic, and paprika complement the shrimp perfectly.
• Creamy indulgence: Mozzarella, Parmesan, and heavy cream create a rich, velvety sauce.
• Colorful and inviting: Red and green bell peppers brighten up the dish.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels or swap proteins as desired.

Ingredients Breakdown

Pasta

• 1 lb penne pasta (or your preferred pasta)

Protein

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 smoked sausages, sliced (Andouille sausage optional for extra spice)

Vegetables

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings & Oil

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or spatula for tossing shrimp and sausage
• Whisk or wooden spoon for sauce
• Cutting board and chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sausage slices and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2. Season shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and fully cooked.
4. Remove from skillet and set aside with the sausage.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
2. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until vegetables are softened but still vibrant.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Add heavy cream to the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta

1. Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the skillet.
2. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
3. Allow everything to heat through for 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

1. Serve in bowls or on plates.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy, and flavorful Shrimp and Sausage Pasta!

Tips & Variations

• Protein swap: Replace shrimp with chicken or scallops if preferred.
• Spice it up: Add more cayenne or use spicy Andouille sausage for a kick.
• Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Cheese options: Substitute part of the mozzarella with provolone or Fontina for a different flavor.
• Make-ahead: Cook pasta and proteins separately; toss with sauce just before serving.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Rich, creamy, cheesy, with smoky and slightly spicy notes.
• Texture: Tender shrimp, slightly crispy sausage, al dente pasta, and silky sauce.
• Serving suggestions: Serve with garlic bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	720 kcal
Protein	38 g
Carbs	55 g
Fat	40 g
Saturated Fat	18 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	950 mg
Sugar	4 g

Dietary notes: High-protein, indulgent comfort food, gluten-free option if using GF pasta.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring to maintain creamy texture.
• Do not freeze if possible, as cream-based sauces may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat dry before cooking to prevent extra moisture in the sauce.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Increase cayenne pepper or use a spicier sausage.

3. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work beautifully.

4. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added during the sauté step.

5. How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep ingredients	10 min
Cook pasta	10 min
Cook sausage	5 min
Cook shrimp	5–6 min
Sauté vegetables & sauce	8–10 min
Combine & serve	2–3 min
Total Time	35–40 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley for color.
• Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance richness.
• Add extra Parmesan on top for an indulgent finish.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Cajun: Use Andouille sausage and extra cayenne for bold heat.
2. Veggie-loaded: Include mushrooms, zucchini, or baby spinach.
3. Cheese blend: Mix mozzarella with Fontina or provolone for a different flavor.
4. Seafood twist: Use scallops instead of shrimp for a gourmet feel.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shrimp

• Selection: Fresh or frozen, deveined and peeled for convenience.
• Tip: Pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.

Smoked Sausage

• Selection: Andouille, kielbasa, or smoked sausage for flavor depth.
• Tip: Slice evenly for consistent cooking and texture.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking proteins; sear in batches for best results.
• Sauté garlic only until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
• Stir cheese slowly into the cream to avoid clumps.
• Toss pasta immediately in sauce for even coating and rich flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Use a skillet over low heat to maintain creaminess.
• Freezing: Not recommended for cream-based sauces; the texture may separate.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Component	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
Shrimp & Sausage Pasta	720	38 g	55 g	40 g	3 g

Dietary notes: High-protein, indulgent comfort food. Gluten-free option available with GF pasta.

Expanded Conclusion

This Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a crowd-pleasing, creamy, and indulgent dish that combines tender shrimp, smoky sausage, colorful peppers, and a rich cheesy sauce over al dente pasta. Perfect for family dinners, weeknight indulgence, or special occasions, it’s quick, flavorful, and versatile.

Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad, garnish with parsley, and enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta experience right at home. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation!

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