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Let me share one of my favorite pasta dishes that always feels special my garlic butter white wine shrimp linguine! The sauce is silky and rich the shrimp are perfectly tender and it all comes together with pasta in the most amazing way. I love how it feels fancy enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This dish brings all those wonderful Italian restaurant flavors right to your kitchen table. The sauce is rich but not heavy and those succulent shrimp make everything feel extra special. Best of all it takes just 30 minutes to make perfect for those nights when you want something a little fancy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Everything You Need
- Butter: Use good quality unsalted lets you control the salt.
- Fresh Garlic: Don't skimp here fresh makes all the difference.
- Broth: Chicken broth gives the pasta amazing flavor.
- Water: Just enough to cook the pasta perfectly.
- Linguine: A whole pound soaks up that sauce beautifully.
- Shrimp: Big juicy ones peeled and deveined.
- White Wine: I use Pinot Grigio use something you'd drink.
- Fresh Sage: Adds such wonderful warmth.
- Heavy Cream: Makes everything silky smooth.
- Parmesan: Fresh grated not the pre-grated stuff.
- Parsley: Brightens everything up.
- Lemon: That final touch of freshness.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to your taste.
Let's Cook Together
- Start With The Pasta
- Melt some butter add garlic then get your pasta cooking in broth and water it makes such a difference.
- Cook Those Shrimp
- Get them nice and pink in butter just a few minutes each side don't overcook.
- Make Your Sauce
- Add more garlic sage and wine let it simmer down and get all those good flavors together.
- Bring It All Together
- Add your cream pasta shrimp and finish with cheese herbs and lemon perfect!
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Perfect Shrimp Every Time
Here's my secret watch those shrimp carefully! They're done as soon as they turn pink and curl into a C shape. Take them off the heat right then they'll keep cooking from the residual heat.
Creating That Amazing Sauce
The magic happens when the wine cream and broth come together. That squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything up and cuts through the richness just perfectly.
What to Serve With It
I love serving this with crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A simple green salad on the side makes it complete. And don't forget a glass of that white wine you used in cooking!
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I use half and half instead of cream when I want it lighter. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds nice heat and baby spinach makes it even more colorful. Play around with it make it yours.
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Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you have any leftovers they'll keep in the fridge for about three days. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life. Skip the microwave though it can make the shrimp tough.
Easy Fixes
Sauce too thick? Add a little pasta water. Did it separate? Just whisk it over low heat it'll come back together. Fresh ingredients really do make all the difference here.
The Secret to Success
What makes this recipe special is how the pasta cooks right in the broth soaking up all that flavor. Plus doing it all in one pot means less cleanup always a win in my kitchen.
Getting Ahead
I like to prep everything before I start chopping garlic cleaning shrimp measuring ingredients. Then when it's time to cook everything flows smoothly no stress.
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Choosing Your Pasta
While I love linguine for this you could use fettuccine or spaghetti too. Any long pasta that can grab onto that creamy sauce will work beautifully.
Making It Extra Special
Using really good Parmesan and butter makes such a difference. And choose a wine you'd actually drink it doesn't have to be expensive just something you enjoy.
Kid-Friendly Version
Need to skip the wine? Just use extra broth and a good squeeze of lemon. The kids won't even know the difference and it's still absolutely delicious.
Perfect for Special Occasions
This is my go-to for date nights and dinner parties. It looks and tastes impressive but it's actually so simple to make. Add some roasted vegetables on the side makes it even more special.
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Making It Work for Everyone
Got gluten-free guests? Use your favorite GF pasta. Need it dairy-free? Try coconut milk and olive oil instead of butter and cream. It'll be different but still delicious.
Using Up Leftovers
Sometimes I turn leftovers into a pasta bake add some breadcrumbs and extra cheese on top. Pop it in the oven until bubbly it's like a whole new dish.
Building Kitchen Confidence
This recipe is perfect for learning to cook with seafood and making sauces. It's pretty forgiving and teaches you some great techniques you can use in other dishes.
A Taste of Italy
Every time I make this it reminds me of those cozy Italian restaurants we all love. It's become such a favorite in our house I know it will be in yours too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why cook pasta in broth?
Cooking pasta in broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the dish. The starchy pasta liquid also helps create a silky sauce.
- → What kind of white wine should I use?
Use a good quality dry white wine that you'd enjoy drinking. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work well in this dish.
- → Can I make this ahead?
This dish is best served fresh while the sauce is creamy and the pasta is perfectly cooked. Reheating may affect the texture.
- → Why cook shrimp separately?
Cooking shrimp separately allows better control over doneness and lets them develop a nice brown color without overcooking.
- → What size shrimp works best?
Jumbo shrimp are ideal as they're substantial enough to stand up to the pasta and won't overcook quickly.
Conclusion
This elegant pasta dish combines jumbo shrimp with linguine in a rich sauce of white wine, garlic butter, and cream. Perfect for special occasions or date nights.