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Savory Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe with Easy Silky White Wine Sauce

savory garlic shrimp pasta - featured image

A quick and elegant shrimp pasta dish featuring tender shrimp in a silky white wine sauce with garlic, butter, and cream. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 45 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
  • 3/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp to a plate.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Stir in butter until melted.
  7. Add heavy cream and lemon juice. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  8. Return shrimp to skillet and toss gently with sauce. Add drained pasta and toss until evenly coated, about 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Turn off heat and sprinkle Parmesan cheese and parsley over pasta. Toss lightly before serving. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use dry white wine for best flavor. Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Serve with green salad or garlic bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic shrimp, white wine sauce, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, seafood pasta, creamy pasta