Garlic Butter White Wine Shrimp Linguine

Garlic Butter White Wine Shrimp Linguine is an elegant yet easy pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, and a splash of white wine tossed with al dente linguine. It’s the perfect mix of light and indulgent—ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Luxurious garlic butter and wine sauce with minimal ingredients
• Quick and simple—ready in under half an hour
• Perfect balance of light seafood and rich flavor
• Pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or crusty bread
• Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for any night

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Linguine or spaghetti
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• Lemon juice and zest
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the shrimp: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter to the skillet along with garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Deglaze with wine: Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in lemon zest.
5. Combine everything: Return shrimp to the skillet. Add drained pasta and a splash of pasta water to help bind the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
6. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of mascarpone at the end.
• Add veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus.
• Use another protein: Try scallops, clams, or chicken instead of shrimp.
• Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Swap the pasta: Use fettuccine, angel hair, or even gluten-free pasta.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as shrimp can become rubbery.

FAQs

What kind of white wine is best?

Use a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

Do I have to use wine?

You can substitute with chicken broth or seafood stock for a non-alcoholic version.

Should I leave the tails on the shrimp?

Tails add flavor but are optional—remove them if preferred for easier eating.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

They should be pink, opaque, and just curled—about 2 minutes per side.

Can I make this ahead?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and chop ingredients in advance.

Is Parmesan traditional with seafood pasta?

Not in classic Italian cuisine, but it’s a delicious optional addition if you like.

What pasta shape holds sauce best?

Linguine is great, but fettuccine or spaghetti also work well for clinging to the buttery sauce.

Can I add garlic earlier with the shrimp?

It’s better to add it after to prevent burning—garlic cooks quickly!

What sides go well with this?

A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make perfect pairings.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter White Wine Shrimp Linguine is the kind of dish that looks and tastes like a restaurant meal but comes together quickly in your own kitchen. With tender shrimp, silky pasta, and a garlicky white wine sauce, it’s pure comfort with a touch of elegance—ideal for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a little luxury.

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