Irresistible Cheesy Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a deliciously cheesy shrimp pasta transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavor explosion.

Crispy bacon bits and spicy sausage create irresistible depth in every single bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through with perfectly seasoned seafood and rich, creamy sauce.

Each ingredient plays a harmonious role in crafting this indulgent meal.

Comfort food reaches new heights when classic proteins dance together on your plate.

Layers of smoky, savory notes promise an unforgettable culinary experience.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Ingredients for Cheesy Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Pasta

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delicate oceanic flavor to the pasta dish.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a smoky and salty element to the recipe.
• Sausage: Flavorful meat that contributes a rich and hearty taste to the overall dish.

• Penne, Rigatoni: Sturdy pasta shapes that hold the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy product that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce base.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide depth and creamy texture to the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational vegetables that build a flavor base for the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté aromatics and prevent sticking.
• Dried Thyme, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices and seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh and colorful finishing touch to the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook your favorite pasta in salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and let sit while preparing other ingredients.

• Penne
• Rigatoni

Tip: Shake off excess water to prevent diluting the sauce.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon and Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Render bacon until golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels. In the same pan, brown sausage slices until they develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Toss shrimp into the skillet, cooking quickly until they turn rosy pink and curl slightly. Remove and set aside with other meats.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

Splash olive oil into the pan. Soften onions and garlic until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Cheddar
• Parmesan

• Dried thyme
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Combine All Components

Fold pasta, meats, and shrimp into the cheese sauce. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer to serving dishes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Pasta

• Select short pasta like penne or rigatoni for maximum sauce coverage and easy eating.
• Crisp bacon separately to control fat rendering and achieve perfect crunchiness without making other ingredients greasy.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent watery sauce texture.
• Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Balance cheese sauce consistency by adjusting cream quantity and simmering time for ideal thickness.

Variations on Cheesy Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Pasta

• Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning, add red pepper flakes, and incorporate bell peppers for a zesty New Orleans-style pasta experience.
• Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Swap sausage with chorizo, add kalamata olives, swap cheddar for feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Creamy Pesto Fusion: Replace heavy cream with alfredo sauce, stir in basil pesto, use mozzarella cheese, and top with fresh basil leaves for an Italian-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice, use lighter cream cheese instead of heavy cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach for a healthier alternative.

Best Pairings for Cheesy Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Pasta

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Zinfandel or Syrah that matches the rich, intense flavors of the bacon, sausage, and cheesy sauce, cutting through the richness while complementing the dish's robust profile.
• Complement with Crisp Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta, adding freshness and acidity that helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve toasted rustic bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil, providing a crunchy texture that absorbs the creamy cheese sauce and adds another layer of flavor to the meal.

Storing Cheesy Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that cream-based sauces might slightly separate after thawing.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or milk to restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs on Cheesy Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Pasta

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne or rigatoni with other short pasta like fusilli, shells, or ziti. Choose pasta shapes that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Reduce the heavy cream and replace some with low-fat milk or half-and-half. Use turkey bacon or less bacon, and opt for lower-fat cheese varieties to cut down calories.

• How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them immediately once they turn pink and opaque to maintain tenderness and prevent overcooking.

Why Cheesy Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Pasta Wins Hearts

• Tackle Multiple Protein Cravings: Combine shrimp, sausage, and bacon in one delectable dish that satisfies meat lovers with a single spectacular recipe.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Deliver professional-level flavor and presentation without complex cooking techniques, making gourmet dining accessible for home cooks.
• Quick One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing everything in a single pan, reducing washing time and simplifying the cooking process while maximizing delicious results.
• Customize with Ease: Swap protein types, adjust cheese selections, or modify spice levels to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients without compromising the recipe's core appeal.

Cheesy Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent “cheesy shrimp, sausage & bacon pasta” promises a flavor explosion where savory proteins dance with creamy cheese. Each forkful delivers southern comfort and coastal charm you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1/2 pound (225g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 pound (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, chopped

Pasta and Aromatics:

• 8 ounces (225g) penne or rigatoni
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water at medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
2. Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer crispy pieces to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving rendered fat in pan.
3. Sear sausage slices in the same skillet until richly caramelized and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside with bacon.
4. Sauté shrimp in the skillet for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until they transform from translucent to opaque pink with slight golden edges.
5. Without cleaning the skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, absorbing the residual meat flavors.
6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, bringing to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
7. Season the sauce with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
8. Combine cooked pasta, sausage, shrimp, and bacon into the creamy cheese sauce, gently tossing to ensure even coating and thorough heating.
9. Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

• Customize pasta shapes based on preference, with shorter tubes like rigatoni holding sauce better than long noodles.
• Drain bacon fat carefully, leaving just enough for extra flavor without making dish greasy.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Consider using low-sodium sausage and bacon for healthier version without compromising taste.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother, more luxurious sauce texture.
• Allow sauce to simmer gently to prevent breaking or separating, creating silky consistency.
• For gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles.
• Balance rich ingredients by adding fresh lemon zest or squeeze of citrus for brightness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg