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Flavorful Garlic Shrimp Pasta with White Wine Sauce

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A quick and easy garlic shrimp pasta with a buttery white wine sauce, brightened with lemon and fresh herbs. Perfect for a fuss-free, flavorful dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once butter melts and foams, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Lower heat and add 1 tablespoon butter, stirring until melted and sauce is silky. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Return shrimp to skillet, add drained pasta, and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if sauce is too thick.
  8. Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan and extra parsley if desired.

Notes

Dry shrimp well before cooking to ensure proper searing. Avoid browning garlic to prevent bitterness. Use reserved pasta water to achieve a silky sauce. Cook shrimp just until opaque to avoid rubbery texture. Moderate heat is key to prevent butter from scorching.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic shrimp pasta, white wine sauce, easy pasta recipe, seafood pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Italian pasta