When I want to celebrate Dad with something bold, protein-packed, and quick to throw together, my Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet is always the answer. This one-pan wonder combines juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and colorful sautéed veggies, all tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that brings the whole dish to life. It’s fast, flavorful, and hearty—the kind of no-fuss meal that feels just right for Father’s Day.
I love how this skillet recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, but still feels like something you’d order at a restaurant. The shrimp sear beautifully while the sausage crisps and adds that perfect smoky depth. The garlic butter coats every bite, and when I top it with fresh herbs or a hit of lemon juice, it becomes something truly special. Whether I’m plating it up for brunch or serving it straight from the pan for a casual dinner, this dish always gets a “wow.”
What I especially appreciate about this recipe is its flexibility. It’s naturally low in carbs, gluten-free, and super easy to customize. Sometimes I toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or even a handful of baby spinach depending on what I have on hand. It also pairs beautifully with garlic rice, quinoa, or a chunk of crusty bread to soak up all that buttery sauce.
This is one of those meals that gives you maximum flavor for minimal effort. When I don’t want to fuss with a grill but still want something impressive—this hits the spot. It’s right up there with my Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad, another protein-packed Father’s Day favorite that brings bold flavor with every bite.
For more dishes like this, check out my go-to seafood recipes, flavorful one-pan dinners, and quick, hearty weeknight dinners that make life delicious without making it complicated.
Whether you’re planning a Father’s Day lunch or just need a meal that delivers on every level, this skillet brings the heat, flavor, and ease every home cook can appreciate.
Want to understand the health benefits of shrimp? Check out this guide from the WebMD. Curious about sausage nutrition and protein content? See this USDA nutrient profile for pork sausage. Need a refresher on skillet cooking safety? Read this cooking safety guide from the Healthline.
Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet (Bold, Flavorful, and Perfect for Father’s Day)
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 12 oz smoked sausage sliced (kielbasa, andouille, or chorizo work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 small red onion sliced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning optional for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients:– Peel and devein shrimp if not prepped.– Slice sausage, bell peppers, and onion into thin strips.
- Sauté the Sausage:– Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.– Sauté sliced sausage until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:– In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.– Add shrimp, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies & Garlic:– Add remaining butter to the skillet.– Toss in bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook until softened, 4–5 minutes.
- Combine & Finish:– Return sausage and shrimp to skillet. Add Cajun seasoning and lemon juice.– Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.– Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
RECIPE OVERVIEW
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cuisine: American / Southern-Inspired
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~410
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Budget Breakdown
- Shrimp (1 lb): ~$7.00
- Smoked sausage (12 oz): ~$4.00
- Garlic, bell peppers, onions: ~$3.00
- Spices, olive oil, lemon: ~$2.00
- Total Cost: ~$16.00
- Cost per Serving: ~$4.00
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet
- One-pan meal = easy cleanup
- Packed with bold, garlicky flavor
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Naturally low-carb and high-protein
- Great for Father’s Day or any weeknight dinner
Perfect For:
- Father’s Day celebrations and dinners
- Quick weeknight family meals
- Meal prepping flavorful protein bowls
- Low-carb or keto meal plans
- Cast iron skillet recipes
Behind the Recipe
I created this garlic shrimp and sausage skillet recipe as a nod to my dad’s favorite flavors—smoked meats, bold spices, and garlicky everything. The combination of shrimp and sausage gives you the best of both worlds: juicy, buttery seafood and crispy, smoky sausage in every bite. Toss in sautéed bell peppers and onions, and you’ve got a meal that’s both filling and vibrant.
This skillet dish brings big flavor without big effort. It’s one of those meals that feels special but requires minimal prep—ideal for Father’s Day when you’d rather be relaxing than standing over a stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced (kielbasa, andouille, or chorizo work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp for best texture. Thaw and pat dry if frozen.
- Sausage: Smoked sausage like kielbasa or andouille adds depth and heat.
- Garlic: Lots of fresh garlic gives the skillet its signature flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Adds color, crunch, and sweetness.
- Paprika & Cajun Seasoning: For smoky heat—adjust to your spice preference.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
- Peel and devein shrimp if not prepped.
- Slice sausage, bell peppers, and onion into thin strips.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.
- Sauté sliced sausage until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add shrimp, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Veggies & Garlic
- Add remaining butter to the skillet.
- Toss in bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook until softened, 4–5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine & Finish
- Return sausage and shrimp to skillet. Add Cajun seasoning and lemon juice.
- Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use pre-cooked sausage to save time.
- Don’t overcook shrimp—remove once opaque and pink.
- Slice all ingredients uniformly for even cooking.
- Cook in a cast iron skillet for added flavor and heat retention.
- Add a splash of broth or wine to deglaze if needed.
Easy Variations
- Add Veggies: Try zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun spice.
- Serve Over: Cauliflower rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
- Use Turkey Sausage: For a leaner option.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Fridge: Store in airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or oil.
- Serve With: Garlic bread, rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
Pair this garlic shrimp & sausage skillet with:
- Roasted baby potatoes or seasoned rice
- Grilled corn on the cob or garlic bread
- Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- Iced tea, sparkling water, or craft beer
It’s the kind of hearty, craveable meal that screams Father’s Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! That’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s all made in one skillet, making cleanup easy and saving time.
Bell peppers and onions are classic, but asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes also pair well and add variety.
Smoked kielbasa, andouille, or chorizo are top choices because they bring bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and ideal for keto or low-carb diets. Just avoid serving it over carb-heavy sides.
Use a combination of garlic, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and fresh lemon juice to balance savory and zesty notes.
Definitely. Cook the skillet meal, let it cool, then store it in containers for up to 4 days. Reheat with a little oil or broth.
Raw shrimp is best for texture and flavor, but pre-cooked shrimp can work—just add it at the very end to avoid overcooking.
Yes! Add heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to create a creamy garlic sauce.
Absolutely. It’s bold, hearty, fast, and full of flavor—exactly what makes for a memorable Father’s Day dinner.
Try rice, mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet is more than just a quick weeknight dinner—it’s a celebration on a plate. With bold flavors, simple ingredients, and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for honoring Dad this Father’s Day or any time you want to serve something hearty and delicious.
The smoky sausage, buttery shrimp, and sautéed veggies come together in just 30 minutes, making this one-pan wonder ideal for anyone who wants to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to dress up with creamy sauce, fresh herbs, or extra spice.
It’s also a great addition to your low-carb meal prep lineup or a flavorful dish to serve when you’re feeding a crowd. With endless room for variations and add-ins, this skillet recipe gives you restaurant-quality results without the stress.
So whether you’re hosting a backyard celebration, planning a Father’s Day dinner, or just need a satisfying skillet meal to liven up your weeknights, this dish is a dependable go-to. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to make repeat appearances on your table.
Looking for more Father’s Day recipe inspiration? Check out our Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs, Tropical BBQ Chicken Wings, and Creamy Macaroni Salad with Bacon to round out your celebratory menu.
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A bold and flavorful one-pan dinner made with garlic butter shrimp, smoked sausage, bell peppers, and spices—perfect for Father’s Day or any weeknight meal.