Cheesy Shrimp Sausage Bacon

This comforting pasta brings together tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and crispy bacon in a creamy, velvety cheese sauce. A rich blend of Gruyère, white cheddar, smoked Gouda, and cream cheese coats rotini pasta, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. Fresh garlic and Italian herbs add fragrant depth while a sprinkle of parsley and extra cheese on top makes every bite satisfying. Perfect for cozy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s the kind of dish that hits all the right notes between indulgence and heartiness.

I discovered this recipe at a family gettogether and the kids and adults kept asking for seconds. The gooey cheese sauce and crispy bacon bits always get rave reviews.

Ingredients

• Rotini pasta: to hold the creamy sauce and add great texture
• Heavy cream: creates a silky sauce base choose one with minimal additives for best results
• Freshly grated cheese blend: offers the best melt and flavor Gruyère adds nuttiness, aged white cheddar brings tang, smoked Gouda adds depth, and mild cheddar gives smooth meltability
• Raw shrimp: peeled and deveined for tenderness and better flavor pick shrimp that look firm and smell fresh
• Seafood seasoning: brightens and boosts shrimp flavor Creole blends add a nice gentle kick
• Smoked sausage: with herbs and a snappy casing for rich smoky savor
• Thick cut bacon: gives bold crunch and saltiness
• Cream cheese: thickens the sauce and adds gentle tang
• Fresh garlic: for aromatic depth look for plump cloves
• Garlic powder and onion powder: to layer savory notes smoothly without sharpness
• Italian seasoning: adds herby warmth and a quick spice mix
• Butter: for richness and to bloom garlic unsalted butter helps with salt control
• Olive oil: to sear shrimp quickly while keeping them juicy
• Fresh parsley: for a bright fresh finish

Instructions

Sear the Shrimp:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Season shrimp evenly with seafood seasoning. Cook shrimp for about three minutes per side until they curl into a C shape and are opaque pink. Remove shrimp promptly to prevent overcooking and set aside.

Brown the Sausage:

In the same skillet, add sausage pieces. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until edges are golden and slightly caramelized, about five to seven minutes. This step builds the sausage’s deep flavor. Remove sausage and keep warm with the shrimp.

Cook the Bacon:

In a separate pan, cook thick cut bacon slices until crisp and browned. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat. Once cooled slightly, chop bacon into bite sized pieces for texture contrast.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until just al dente usually one minute less than package instructions. Drain well but do not rinse so the pasta retains enough starch to thicken the sauce nicely.

Build the Sauce Base:

Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. This gentle cooking blooms the garlic flavor without bitterness.

Incorporate the Creams:

Add cream cheese to melted butter and garlic. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely into a smooth mixture. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce has a glossy consistency. Cream cheese adds body and thickness to the sauce here.

Layer the Seasonings:

Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Keep the heat low to allow the flavors to meld without scorching which can ruin the smooth texture.

Melt in the Cheese:

Add the freshly grated cheese blend a handful at a time, stirring well after each addition. Continue this process until the sauce becomes luscious, smooth, and thick. Remove sauce from heat quickly once all cheese melts to keep it creamy and avoid graininess.

Combine Pasta and Proteins:

Pour the cheese sauce over the drained pasta. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece. Carefully fold in cooked shrimp, sausage, and chopped bacon to keep the textures intact and flavors vibrant.

Garnish and Serve:

Transfer pasta to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley and extra grated cheese if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce warm and gooey.

My family’s favorite moment is watching the cheese stretch with every forkful. It brings so much laughter and joy around the table every time we enjoy this meal.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. This dish does not freeze well since the dairy tends to separate and turn grainy after freezing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Monterey Jack or Colby cheeses can replace the stronger cheeses for a milder flavor. Turkey sausage is a lighter alternative to smoked sausage for less fat. Half and half can substitute heavy cream for a less rich but thinner sauce consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pasta with a simple green salad or wilted spinach for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread works well to scoop up any extra sauce. Lemon wedges alongside bring a bright pop that cuts through the dish’s richness perfectly.

This backyard favorite has become my signature dish for cozy get togethers. Watching everyone gather around the stove tasting and laughing creates memories I cherish deeply.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work well to hold the creamy sauce and proteins effectively.

→ What type of shrimp should I buy?

Large, raw, deveined shrimp with tails removed are ideal for tenderness and flavor absorption.

→ Is it possible to substitute the cheeses?

Milder cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella can replace Gruyère or Gouda to change the texture and flavor profile.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, assemble ahead and gently reheat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce if needed.

→ How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or choose a spicy sausage to balance the creamy richness with some heat.

→ What are the best garnishes?

Fresh parsley and extra grated cheese brighten flavors and add a fresh, savory finish to the dish.