Name: Creamy Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo Pasta (One-Pan Weeknight Dinner)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 12 oz Smoked sausage, sliced; 12 oz Fettuccine or penne pasta; 1 tbsp Olive oil; 2 tbsp Butter; 4 Garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup Heavy cream; 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp Onion powder; 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Use fresh Parmesan for best melting and flavor.; Fettuccine gives a classic Alfredo feel, but penne or rotini also work well.; You can swap smoked sausage with andouille or turkey sausage.

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Looking for a cozy comfort dish that’s creamy, savory, and satisfying enough to feed a hungry crowd? Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate one-pot indulgence. It brings together tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce tossed with pasta. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the kind of dinner that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant—but you made it at home!

This dish strikes a delicious balance between decadence and simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and one skillet, you’ll have a creamy pasta dinner bursting with bold flavor. Whether it’s date night, family dinner, or a meal prep staple, Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser.

What makes this dish extra special is its ability to appeal to all kinds of cravings—it’s rich yet light enough to not feel heavy, spicy if you want it, or mild and creamy if that’s your style. The shrimp brings a delicate sweetness, while the sausage offers depth and a smoky backbone that complements the velvety sauce. If you love recipes that are fast, filling, and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, this one’s for you.

Learn more about why shrimp is a healthy protein option and how to safely handle and cook shellfish for home meals. For additional background on cheese nutrition and benefits, visit this page by WebMD.

RECIPE OVERVIEW

Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
Serving Size: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Nutritional Snapshot (per serving):

Calories: ~640
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 52g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 950mg

Budget Breakdown

Shrimp (1 lb): ~$6.50
Smoked sausage (12 oz): ~$4.00
Heavy cream & cheese: ~$3.00
Pasta (12 oz): ~$1.50
Garlic, butter, pantry items: ~$1.00
Total Cost: ~$16.00
Cost per Serving: ~$4.00

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo Pasta

One-skillet meal = minimal cleanup
Creamy, rich, and full of smoky, garlicky flavor
Ready in just 30 minutes
Great for casual dinners or impressing guests
Customizable with your favorite pasta and spice level

Behind the Recipe

Shrimp Alfredo is already a creamy classic, but adding sausage gives it a smoky, savory edge that takes it to a whole new level. This recipe was inspired by a love for bold flavors and comforting pasta dishes. It’s a fusion of coastal seafood and Southern-style sausage with a creamy Italian-American twist. This is the kind of meal that warms your soul and keeps you coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Tips:

Use fresh Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
Fettuccine gives a classic Alfredo feel, but penne or rotini also work well.
You can swap smoked sausage with andouille or turkey sausage.

How to Make Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.

Step 2: Sear the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add shrimp and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Add remaining butter to the skillet along with garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Success

Pat shrimp dry before cooking for better searing.
Don’t let the Alfredo sauce boil—gentle simmering keeps it smooth.
Add pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness.
For extra flavor, toss shrimp in garlic powder and paprika before cooking.

Easy Variations

Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Go Gluten-Free: Swap pasta for your favorite gluten-free option.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk.
Freezer: Not recommended—the cream sauce may separate.

🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜

Serve your Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo Pasta with:

Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
A crisp Caesar or garden salad
Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What type of sausage is best to use in Alfredo pasta?
Smoked sausage, andouille, or kielbasa all work well for their rich, bold flavors.

How can I keep Alfredo sauce from separating when reheating?
Gently reheat it with a splash of milk or cream and avoid high heat to maintain its creamy texture.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, just add them at the very end to warm through without overcooking.

What’s the secret to a creamy Alfredo sauce?
Simmer gently and use fresh Parmesan cheese for smoothness and flavor.

Can I use another pasta shape besides fettuccine?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes—cook and store components separately, then reheat gently when ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting experience. The combination of tender shrimp, hearty sausage, and luscious Alfredo sauce makes it a go-to recipe when you need something truly satisfying. It’s got everything: ease, richness, and tons of flavor in every bite.

It’s the perfect recipe to add to your weeknight dinner rotation or break out when entertaining guests. Rich, creamy, and full of personality, this pasta is proof that homemade comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite skillet dinner.

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📌 Pin This Recipe: Creamy Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo Pasta – One-Pan Dinner Favorite
Creamy Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo Pasta made with tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. A 30-minute dinner your family will love!

@readyprepmeals Creamy Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo Pasta served in a white bowl, featuring juicy shrimp, seared sausage slices, and fettuccine noodles coated in a rich Alfredo sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

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