Garlic White Wine Shrimp

Featured in Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion.

This fancy dish brings together tender shrimp and pasta in a smooth white wine and garlic sauce. Great for a date night or classy dinner.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:20:04 GMT
Creamy pasta topped with large shrimp and fresh parsley in a bowl. Pin it
Creamy pasta topped with large shrimp and fresh parsley in a bowl. | cookwithcarla.com

I've gotta tell you about my go-to pasta creation that never fails to impress - my buttery garlic shrimp linguine with white wine! The sauce turns out velvety and indulgent, the shrimp cook up just right, and everything mingles with the pasta in the most mouthwatering way. It's fancy enough for visitors but still quick enough for regular weeknights.

What Makes This Dish So Irresistible

This meal brings all those tasty Italian restaurant vibes straight to your home. The sauce feels luxurious without being too heavy, and those plump shrimp make dinner feel extra special. The best part? You can whip it all up in just 30 minutes - perfect when you want something a bit upscale without spending your whole evening cooking.

Everything You Need

  • Butter: Grab unsalted, high-quality stuff so you can add salt as you like.
  • Fresh Garlic: The real deal matters here, pre-minced won't cut it.
  • Broth: Chicken stock gives your pasta wonderful depth.
  • Water: Just the right amount for perfectly cooked noodles.
  • Linguine: A full pound will soak up that sauce wonderfully.
  • Shrimp: Look for large ones already cleaned and deveined.
  • White Wine: Something tasty like Pinot Grigio works great.
  • Fresh Sage: Brings a lovely earthy warmth.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates that smooth, luxurious texture.
  • Parmesan: Grate it yourself for the best flavor.
  • Parsley: Adds color and freshness.
  • Lemon: That zingy finish makes everything pop.
  • Salt and Pepper: Add to your liking.

Let's Cook Together

Cook The Pasta First
Drop some butter in the pan, toss in garlic, then cook your pasta in the mix of broth and water for amazing flavor.
Get Those Shrimp Ready
Cook until they turn a nice pink color in butter, just a couple minutes per side so they don't get tough.
Create Your Sauce
Throw in more garlic with sage and wine, let everything bubble down and mingle those flavors.
Mix Everything Up
Pour in your cream, add the pasta and shrimp, then finish with cheese, herbs and a splash of lemon juice!
A bowl of fettuccine pasta topped with shrimp and garnished with herbs. Pin it
A bowl of fettuccine pasta topped with shrimp and garnished with herbs. | cookwithcarla.com

Juicy Shrimp Tips

Here's my trick: keep a close eye on those shrimp! They're ready the moment they turn pink and form a C shape. Pull them off the heat right then because they'll keep cooking from the heat that's already there.

Whipping Up That Dreamy Sauce

The real magic happens when wine, cream and broth come together. Don't forget that lemon squeeze at the end - it cuts through the richness and wakes up all the flavors.

What to Serve With It

This dish calls for some crunchy garlic bread to mop up that amazing sauce. Add a simple green salad and you've got a complete meal. And why not pour yourself a glass of that same white wine you used while cooking?

Putting Your Spin On It

Try half and half instead of cream for a lighter touch. A tiny bit of red pepper flakes can add some kick, and tossing in baby spinach makes it even prettier. Don't be afraid to tweak it to your taste.

A bowl of fettuccine pasta topped with shrimp and garnished with chopped parsley and black pepper. Pin it
A bowl of fettuccine pasta topped with shrimp and garnished with chopped parsley and black pepper. | cookwithcarla.com

Saving For Later

Any extras will stay good in the fridge for around three days. Warm them up gently on the stove with a little splash of cream to bring the sauce back together. Don't use the microwave though - it can make your shrimp rubbery.

Quick Solutions

Sauce got too thick? Just add a splash of pasta water. Did it break apart? A quick whisk over low heat will bring it back. Fresh stuff really does make a huge difference in this dish.

The Magic Touch

The thing that makes this dish stand out is cooking the pasta right in the broth so it soaks up all that goodness. Plus using just one pot means way less dishes to clean up after dinner.

Getting Ready

I always prep everything before starting - chop the garlic, clean the shrimp, measure all ingredients. Then once I start cooking, everything flows smoothly without any rush.

A bowl of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with large shrimp and sprinkled with herbs. Pin it
A bowl of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with large shrimp and sprinkled with herbs. | cookwithcarla.com

Noodle Options

While linguine works great here, you can swap in fettuccine or spaghetti too. Any long pasta that can grab onto that creamy sauce will do the job nicely.

Boosting The Flavors

Getting real good Parmesan and quality butter makes a huge difference. And pick a wine you actually enjoy drinking - doesn't need to be fancy, just something tasty.

Family-Friendly Version

Need to leave out the wine? Just use more broth and an extra squeeze of lemon. The kids won't notice anything missing and it'll still taste fantastic.

Great For Guests

This is what I make for date nights or when friends come over. It looks and tastes impressive but it's actually super easy. Add some roasted veggies on the side to make it even fancier.

A bowl of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with cooked shrimp and garnished with chopped parsley and pepper. Pin it
A bowl of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with cooked shrimp and garnished with chopped parsley and pepper. | cookwithcarla.com

Adjusting For Dietary Needs

Got friends who can't eat gluten? Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Need to skip dairy? Try using coconut milk and olive oil instead of butter and cream. It'll be different but still super tasty.

Transform Your Extras

I sometimes turn leftover pasta into a baked dish with breadcrumbs and extra cheese on top. Just heat it in the oven until bubbly and you've got a completely new meal.

Growing Your Cooking Skills

This dish is great for anyone learning to cook seafood and make sauces. It's pretty hard to mess up and teaches you some cool tricks you can use in lots of other recipes.

Mediterranean Comfort

Whenever I cook this, it takes me back to those warm, welcoming Italian eateries we all dream about. It's become such a hit in our family, I bet it'll be the same in yours.

A bowl of fettuccine pasta topped with shrimp, garnished with herbs and black pepper. Pin it
A bowl of fettuccine pasta topped with shrimp, garnished with herbs and black pepper. | cookwithcarla.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does cooking in broth do?

Using broth instead of water brings in extra flavors while the starches from the pasta help make a creamier sauce.

→ Which white wine should I pick?

Choose any dry white wine you’d drink, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc—they balance the flavors well.

→ Is this meal good to prep early?

It’s best made fresh so the sauce stays creamy and the pasta doesn’t overcook. Reheating can cause changes in texture.

→ Why cook shrimp on its own?

Separating lets the shrimp cook evenly, get a nice golden color, and not overdo it while you make the rest.

→ What shrimp size is best?

Go for large or jumbo—they pair nicely with pasta and don’t overcook as quickly.

Conclusion

This fancy dish brings together tender shrimp and pasta in a smooth white wine and garlic sauce. Great for a date night or classy dinner.

White Wine Shrimp Linguine

Soft linguine meets jumbo shrimp in a velvety garlic butter sauce with white wine, sprinkled with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 8 Servings (8 portions)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Half a stick of butter, split in two portions.
02 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped, split in two portions.
03 4 cups broth (chicken or veggie).
04 2 cups plain water.
05 16 ounces of uncooked linguine.
06 1.5 pounds of large raw shrimp.
07 Three-fourths cup of dry white wine.
08 A quarter cup of minced fresh sage.
09 1 cup heavy cream.
10 Half a cup of grated Parmesan.
11 Half a cup fresh chopped parsley.
12 1 lemon, juiced.
13 Pinch of salt and black pepper.

Instructions

Step 01

Melt a portion of the butter and cook half the garlic. Pour in water and broth, bring it to a boil, and toss in the pasta until it soaks up the liquid.

Step 02

Heat another pan, drop in the butter, cook shrimp on one side, flip, and cook another minute or two.

Step 03

Toss in the sage, rest of the garlic, and wine with the shrimp. Let it cook down until the shrimp gets some color.

Step 04

Mix everything in the pot—shrimp, cream, parsley, cheese, and pasta. Squeeze lemon and sprinkle some salt and pepper over it.

Notes

  1. Eat right away for the best flavors.
  2. Choose a good-quality white wine for cooking.
  3. Yields between 6 and 8 portions.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot.
  • Wide frying pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish.
  • Includes dairy products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~