Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli dish is a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. It brings together tender shrimp, savory sausage, and crisp broccoli tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce that feels luxurious but takes very little effort to prepare.

I first made this after hunting for a meal to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. It quickly became my go-to for gatherings and cozy dinners alike.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: peeled and deveined for quick cooking and a tender bite
• Sausage: sliced — I prefer a smoked or spicy variety to add bold flavor
• Broccoli florets: provide a fresh crunch and vibrant color choose firm heads with dark green crowns
• Unsalted butter: for a creamy garlic sauce that clings to every ingredient
• Fresh garlic: minced adds irresistible aroma and depth fresh is best here
• Olive oil: for searing and sautéing without overpowering
• Salt and pepper: to season and balance the flavors
• Optional fresh parsley and lemon wedges: brighten and freshen the final dish

Instructions

Build The Flavor Base:

Begin by peeling and deveining your shrimp if not already done. Slice the sausage into bite-sized rounds and chop the broccoli into small florets. This pre-cutting saves time and helps everything cook evenly.

Cook The Sausage:

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and let them cook undisturbed until browned and crispy about five to seven minutes. The browning adds rich flavor and texture. Remove the sausage and set it aside.

Sauté The Broccoli:

In the same skillet add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for five to six minutes until tender but with a little snap left. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Once cooked remove the broccoli to join the sausage.

Cook The Shrimp:

Add the shrimp to the skillet seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for two to three minutes on each side until they turn opaque and pink signaling they are perfectly done. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender. Remove the shrimp from the pan.

Prepare The Garlic Butter Sauce:

While the shrimp cooks melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for one to two minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt—this step is crucial for a smooth mellow garlic flavor.

Combine And Serve:

Return the sausage broccoli and shrimp to the skillet. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over everything and toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are coated evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if you like a bright finish.

Garlic is my secret weapon in this recipe. Toasting it just enough to release its aroma without burning is something I perfected after a few bitter batches. It reminds me of family dinners where the smell would fill the house and everyone would gather around the table eager to eat.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave so the shrimp stays tender. Avoid overcooking when reheating as shrimp can become rubbery.

Ingredient Swaps

Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. You can replace broccoli with kale or asparagus if preferred. Lemon zest added to the sauce gives a nice citrus punch if you want something a bit more dynamic.

Serving Ideas

Serve this straight from the pan with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter or over a bed of rice or quinoa to make the meal more filling. A simple green salad or roasted potatoes on the side will round out the plate nicely.

This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of flavors and ease of preparation.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute the sausage with other meats?

Yes, chicken or turkey sausage work well and offer a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor.

→ How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove promptly to avoid rubbery texture.

→ What is the best way to cook broccoli for this dish?

Sauté broccoli florets in olive oil until tender but still crisp, about 5-6 minutes, to maintain a pleasant bite.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can cook components separately and combine them before reheating gently to preserve texture.

→ What sides pair well with this garlic butter shrimp and sausage?

Serve alongside rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.