Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold flavors of Italian sausage, succulent shrimp, and tangy pepperoncini in one incredible pasta creation! This recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy, all while being surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Pasta with Sausage, Shrimp, and Pepperoncini is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 jar pepperoncini, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the pasta is ready to be cooked, the sausage is removed from its casing, the shrimp is peeled and deveined, and the pepperoncini is sliced. Mince the garlic and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add the sliced pepperoncini to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Once everything is combined, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help combine the ingredients and create a light sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste the pasta, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- To serve, divide the pasta among four plates or bowls. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Enjoy your Pasta with Sausage, Shrimp, and Pepperoncini!
Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together perfectly.
- Timing is Key: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.
- Sausage Selection: Choose a high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor. Spicy or mild, depending on your preference.
- Pepperoncini Pro Tip: Drain and slice pepperoncini beforehand to distribute their tangy flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese can't compare to the real thing!
- One-Pan Wonder: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using just one skillet for most of the cooking process.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust spice levels by choosing mild or hot Italian sausage and adding red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 250mg
