If there’s one dish that can instantly satisfy a craving for bold flavors, creamy textures, and hearty comfort—it’s this Shrimp and Sausage Pasta. Combining tender shrimp, smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious cheese-infused cream sauce, this pasta dish is the definition of next-level comfort food.

Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or treating yourself to a decadent weeknight meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy enough for even beginner home cooks to master.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

• 🔥 Flavor Explosion: Smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and sweet peppers create a flavor-packed foundation.

• 🧀 Cheesy & Creamy: Thanks to mozzarella and Parmesan melted into a rich cream sauce.

• ⏱️ Quick & Satisfying: Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish.

• 🍝 Versatile: Use your favorite pasta and adjust the spice to suit your taste.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and kids—especially when served with garlic bread.

Ingredients List

🦐 Protein:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 smoked sausages, sliced (or Andouille for spice)

🍝 Pasta:

• 1 lb penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)

🧅 Veggies & Flavor:

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

🧄 Seasoning:

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

🧀 Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

🌿 Garnish:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Cutting board and knife

• Mixing spoon or tongs

• Colander for draining pasta

Optional: cheese grater, if shredding fresh mozzarella or Parmesan

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente.

• Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Sausage

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add sliced sausage and cook until browned and crisp on the edges (about 5–7 minutes).

• Remove from skillet and set aside.

3️⃣ Cook the Shrimp

• In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil.

• Season shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.

• Remove and set aside with the sausage.

4️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add bell peppers, onion, and garlic.

• Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

5️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce

• Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze any flavorful bits at the bottom.

• Add mozzarella and Parmesan gradually, stirring until smooth and melted.

• Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for heat (optional).

6️⃣ Combine Everything

• Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage into the skillet.

• Toss everything together to evenly coat with sauce.

• Let it heat through for 3–5 minutes on low.

7️⃣ Serve & Garnish

• Plate the pasta in bowls or on a serving platter.

• Garnish generously with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Recipe Tips & Swaps

🧄 No Cream? No Problem.

You can swap heavy cream for:

• Half-and-half (for lighter texture)

• Evaporated milk (still rich, but lower fat)

• Dairy-free cream (for lactose intolerance)

🔄 Pasta Swaps:

• Fettuccine, rotini, or rigatoni work just as well

• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish allergy-friendly

🌶️ Spice It Up:

• Add hot sauce to the sauce base

• Use Andouille sausage or red pepper flakes for Cajun heat

🥦 Add Extra Veggies:

• Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added with the bell peppers

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

🧊 Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

❄️ Freezer:

• Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Perfect Pairings

🍷 Drinks:

• A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

• Refreshing iced tea or lemon sparkling water

🍞 Sides:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

• A light Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook all the components and mix just before serving, or reheat gently in a skillet before serving.

❓ What if I don’t eat shrimp?

You can replace shrimp with chicken, scallops, or double the sausage.

❓ Is this spicy?

It has a mild kick from the paprika and optional cayenne. You can adjust spice levels to suit your taste.

❓ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use plant-based cream, vegan cheese, and ensure your sausage is dairy-free.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

This Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a soul-satisfying, one-pan wonder that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. With smoky, garlicky notes and a creamy finish, it brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen—no reservations needed.

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