Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Introduction

Shrimp and Sausage Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan meal bursting with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Juicy shrimp and smoky sausage are sautéed with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a medley of spices to create a quick yet satisfying dinner. I love this recipe because it’s a complete meal in one skillet—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and incredibly versatile. The combination of shrimp and sausage provides a perfect balance of protein and savoriness, while the vegetables add color, freshness, and nutrients.

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
2. Bold Flavors: Smoked sausage, garlic, and spices create a rich, flavorful dish.
3. One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup with maximum taste.
4. Versatile: Can be served over rice, pasta, or enjoyed on its own for a low-carb option.

Why You Must Try This Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that satisfy every craving. It’s quick, flavorful, and colorful—a meal that looks as good as it tastes. With juicy shrimp, tender sausage, and crisp-tender vegetables, this skillet is perfect for busy nights, casual dinners, or even entertaining guests.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Cajun / Southern / American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Skillet

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté sausage until slightly browned, then remove and set aside.
3. Add onions and bell peppers; cook until tender.
4. Stir in garlic, paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
6. Return sausage to the skillet and toss everything together.
7. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

• Slice sausage, bell peppers, and onion.
• Mince garlic and pat shrimp dry.

Step 2: Cook Sausage

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add sausage slices and cook 3–4 minutes until slightly browned.
• Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers.
• Cook 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices

• Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
• Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Cook Shrimp

• Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly golden.

Step 6: Combine Sausage and Shrimp

• Return the sausage to the skillet.
• Toss all ingredients to combine and heat through.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

• Drizzle with fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately over rice, pasta, or on its own.

How to Serve

• Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with quinoa, couscous, or creamy mashed potatoes.
• For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.
• Garnish with extra parsley or a wedge of lemon for color and flavor.

Additional Recipe Tips

1. Do Not Overcook Shrimp: Cook until just pink to avoid rubbery texture.
2. Use Quality Sausage: Smoked or spicy sausage adds depth of flavor.
3. Adjust Spice: Reduce or increase cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
4. Even Searing: Ensure the skillet is hot when cooking sausage for a nice caramelized crust.
5. Vegetable Variations: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

Variations

• Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning for a more robust, spicy flavor.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage: Add 2 tbsp butter at the end for a rich finish.
• Tomato-Based: Stir in 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a saucier version.
• Mediterranean Twist: Use smoked paprika, oregano, and olives with a drizzle of lemon.

Freezing and Storage

• Cooked Skillet: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Can be frozen in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Citrus juicer (optional)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use raw sausage instead of pre-cooked?
A: Yes, cook thoroughly first before adding vegetables and shrimp.

Q2: Can I make this dish spicier?
A: Yes, add extra cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or hot sauce.

Q3: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q4: What sides go best with this dish?
A: Rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Q5: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can prep vegetables and sausage in advance. Cook shrimp last to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Sausage Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and colorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. The combination of smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and crisp vegetables creates a harmonious, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve over rice, pasta, or on its own. Full of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and minimal cleanup, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy dinner.