Introduction:
If you’re craving a rich, indulgent pasta dish that brings together a delightful fusion of flavors, this Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo is the perfect recipe for you. The creamy, luscious Alfredo sauce meets the irresistible combination of honey garlic shrimp and savory sausage, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that will have you coming back for more.
This dish is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner, or when you want to impress your family or guests with a hearty, restaurant-quality meal. The sweetness of the honey garlic shrimp, paired with the robust flavor of the sausage, elevates the classic Alfredo pasta into a memorable meal. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make yet luxurious pasta recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Honey Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sausage:
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille), sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt, for the pasta water
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set aside both the pasta and pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Honey Garlic Shrimp
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and the sliced sausage. Cook over medium heat until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside with the shrimp.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Gradually stir in the 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) for a little heat.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Stir in the browned sausage and honey garlic shrimp until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Notes:
- Shrimp Cooking Tips: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. They should turn pink and opaque but remain tender.
- Sausage Variety: You can use any type of smoked sausage, but spicy sausage like andouille adds an extra kick to the dish.
- Alfredo Sauce Consistency: The Alfredo sauce should be smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Be sure to add the water in small amounts to avoid making it too watery.
Serving Suggestions:
This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are a few side dishes and accompaniments to elevate the meal:
- Garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- A fresh, light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
- Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a simple, nutritious side.
Tips:
- Pasta Choice: Fettuccine or linguine work best for this creamy Alfredo, but feel free to substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or spaghetti.
- Make It Lighter: If you want to make the dish lighter, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of cream and milk. You can also use a reduced-fat Parmesan cheese.
- Spice it Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the dish an extra layer of heat.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 20 minutes
Total Time:
- 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 1050mg
Conclusion:
This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo is a luxurious, flavorful twist on classic Alfredo pasta. The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, savory sausage, and sweet honey garlic shrimp creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for a special dinner or even a weeknight treat, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Serve it with some fresh bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal that’s bound to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s quick to make, taking less than 40 minutes from start to finish—so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen!
PrintHoney Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sausage:
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille), sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt, for the pasta water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set aside both the pasta and pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Honey Garlic Shrimp
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and the sliced sausage. Cook over medium heat until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside with the shrimp.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Gradually stir in the 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) for a little heat.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Stir in the browned sausage and honey garlic shrimp until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 35g