White Wine Shrimp Pasta

Flavorful shrimp pasta recipes to make for dinner

Seafood is king during the summer, especially shrimp, and make delicious quick and easy meals. They're ready in minutes, great over pasta, and are a delicious way to enjoy the season's fresh flavors. Perfect for a weeknight meal or your next dinner party.

Our family favorites include a bountiful summer Shrimp Primavera, simple Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets, and this spicy Shrimp Rattlesnake Pasta.

Why you'll love this recipe

• This shrimp and white wine recipe is light and refreshing, blending the zest of garlic with the tanginess of lemons and the sweetness of white wine.
• It's quick and easy! Done in just 15 minutes!
• The white wine sauce adds a depth of flavor and brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Bonus - it's great on grilled and baked fish dishes too!
• Easily tweak this garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe to suit your taste. Add a bit more heat with extra red pepper flakes or add creaminess with a splash of cream. It's all good!

Ingredients you'll need

The ingredients for this recipe are simple and come together in a light dinner perfect for warm weather.

Raw Shrimp: Frozen or fresh shrimp can be used. I like to use large shrimp for best results.

Olive Oil: A splash of high-quality olive oil for a rich and smooth base.

Butter: Adds depth and richness to the white wine sauce.

Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.

Fresh Garlic: Adds its own pungent flavor and an irresistible aroma.

Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just a hint of heat.

Dry White Wine: The heart of the white wine shrimp sauce, adding brightness and depth.

Lemon Juice & Zest: Adds a bright, fresh, and tangy flavor to the dish that helps cut through the richness of butter in the white wine sauce.

Pasta: Long noodles like angel hair pasta, thin spaghetti, or fettuccine serve as the base for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan to finish it off with a savory touch.

Best white wine for cooking shrimp

When it comes to creating that irresistible white wine shrimp sauce, choosing the right wine is key. While I often reach for a crisp Chardonnay, there are other fantastic options you can use:

• Chardonnay: Rich and buttery, it brings a rich depth to your sauce.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Light and zesty, it offers a bright, citrusy flavor perfect for seafood.
• Pinot Grigio: Crisp and clean, it adds a subtle fruitiness that complements the shrimp.
• Vermentino: A lesser-known gem, this wine provides a refreshing and slightly herbal note to your pasta.

How to make shrimp pasta with white wine

Let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this scrumptious dish. For the exact measurements, see the recipe card below.

Cook pasta according to package instructions while you are preparing the lemon white wine sauce.

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Turn to medium-high heat and add shrimp and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side depending on their size.
4. Add white wine, lemon juice, zest and parsley. Cook for 3 minutes or until shrimp are done.

Serve this amazing recipe over al dente pasta with a garnish of parsley and parmesan cheese. Add French bread, a side salad, and a glass of wine for the perfect accompaniment.

Now, imagine twirling your fork around this tender pasta covered with a refreshing lemon butter white wine sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. It's a light meal that hits the spot on warm spring and summer days. Ideal for a busy weeknight, and delicious enough for date night or entertaining friends. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips for Success

Here are some handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly so keep a close eye on them to maintain their tender texture.

Wine Reduction: Allow the wine to simmer long enough to reduce, ensuring a rich, flavorful sauce.

Season as You Go: Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process for the best flavor balance.

Keep it Fresh: Use the freshest ingredients possible for an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe variations to make it your own

Feel free to mix things up with these creative twists:

Seafood: Add scallops, crab, or mussels for a more decadent seafood pasta feast.

Vegetables: Toss in some fresh spinach, asparagus, zucchini or tomatoes to incorporate your greens and veggies.

Herbs: Add in some basil, oregano or Italian seasoning for a more herbal edge.

Gluten-Free: Substitute your pasta with a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Creamy: Stir in a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer, creamier version of your pasta.

Best White Wine to Pair with Lemon Garlic Shrimp

The wine that is most often served with garlic shrimp is a nice Chardonnay. The warm, dry, buttery notes of this wine help offset some of the stronger garlic taste and enhance the bold flavors. You may also want to try an Albarino, light and sparkling, which will  also help to reduce the spiciness of the dish and give you a nice contrast to the garlic flavor.

How to store, freeze, and reheat leftovers

Storing: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will keep well for 2-3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing.

Freezing: While pasta dishes can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the sauce and make fresh noodles when serving again. Place the shrimp white wine sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce’s smooth consistency.