Imagine the delightful aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, transporting you to a sun-soaked Mediterranean coastline. That’s just what you’ll find in my Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta—an easy, quick dish that blends the richness of seafood with a light, creamy sauce. This meal not only satisfies your palate but also brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table, making it a perfect choice for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
I first discovered this recipe during a weekend gathering with friends, when we found ourselves craving something fresh yet comforting. Served over delicate angel hair pasta and enhanced with the bright notes of white wine and fresh lemon, each bite is a reminder of coastal dining. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, this recipe is as forgiving as it is flavorful—perfectly adaptable to include chicken or seasonal greens if seafood isn’t your thing.
Prepare to impress everyone at your table with this beautiful dish that comes together in a flash—because who says weeknight dinners can’t be extraordinary? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta a Must-Try?
Deliciously Easy: This recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that’s quick to prepare, perfect for even the busiest of weeknights.
Bright Flavors: The harmony of garlic, white wine, and fresh lemon creates a lively, zesty sauce that will awaken your taste buds.
Versatile Options: If seafood isn’t your style, feel free to swap mussels and shrimp for chicken or andouille sausage, or add vibrant greens for extra color and nutrition.
Stunning Presentation: With its beautiful colors and elegant plating, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering, making it a showstopper for family dinners or special occasions.
Quick Cleanup: One-pan preparation means less fuss and more time to enjoy your meal and relax with loved ones.
Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta Ingredients
For the Pasta
• Angel Hair Pasta – Light and delicate, perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce.
• Pasta Water – Adds starch to bind the sauce to the pasta, enhancing texture.
For the Sauce
• Olive Oil – A flavorful base; extra virgin adds richness.
• Shallot – Brings a subtly sweet depth; can switch with onion if desired.
• Onion – A savory foundation for the sauce; yellow onion works well.
• Garlic – Essential for flavor; feel free to adjust to suit your taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper – Adds a delightful kick; omit for a milder profile.
• Old Bay Seasoning – Perfect to enhance the seafood flavor; substitute with Cajun if needed.
• Garlic Powder – Boosts the garlic taste; not necessary if using fresh garlic.
• Black Pepper – Adds warmth; freshly ground is recommended.
• Salt – Season according to taste, adjusting as needed throughout cooking.
• White Wine – Gives acidity and depth; choose between Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Butter – Offers creaminess to the sauce; both salted and unsalted varieties work well.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish right before serving; can swap with lime for a twist.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds richness and umami; pecorino Romano is an excellent alternative.
For the Seafood
• Mussels – Provide a tender seafood element; can replace with clams or omit for a vegetarian option.
• Tiger Shrimp – Adds sweetness and protein; you can use any shrimp variety you prefer.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Infuse freshness and acidity; substitute with canned diced tomatoes if out of fresh.
For Garnish
• Fresh Parsley – Adds a burst of color and freshness when served.
This Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta is a delightful medley of flavors that makes for a stunning dinner. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of the coast right at your table!
How to Make Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta
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Heat olive oil over low heat in a large skillet. Sauté the chopped shallots and onions until they are fragrant and translucent, lightly seasoning with salt to enhance their natural sweetness.
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Add minced garlic to the skillet, continuing to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become aromatic without burning, which could impart bitterness.
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Stir in Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to incorporate these spices into the onion mixture, creating a flavor base full of character.
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Combine halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet, seasoning them to taste. Sauté briefly until they soften and release their juices, about 3-4 minutes, creating a vibrant sauce.
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Increase the heat slightly and carefully pour in the white wine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes; this allows the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Season the shrimp lightly with salt and add them, along with the mussels, chopped parsley, and butter, to the pan. Cover for about 3-4 minutes until the mussel shells open and the shrimp turn pink and firm.
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Remove the seafood from the pan once cooked through, setting it aside and reducing the heat to low to maintain a gentle warmth.
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Combine the al dente angel hair pasta with reserved pasta water into the sauce. Toss well until the pasta is fully coated; the starch from the water will help bind the sauce.
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Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and turn off the heat when the sauce has mostly absorbed into the pasta, creating a creamy consistency.
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Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, giving everything a final toss before serving. Top with the reserved seafood, again sprinkling fresh parsley and a dash of crushed red pepper for extra flair.
Optional: Serve with garlic bread or a fresh side salad to complement your meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta?
Imagine a vibrant table filled with complementary flavors that enhance this seafood delight, making every bite an experience to savor.
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Garlic Bread: Perfectly crispy and buttery, it’s ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce, enhancing the meal’s richness.
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Simple Green Salad: A light mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the pasta.
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Roasted Asparagus: Tender, slightly charred asparagus brings an earthy brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.
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Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing dessert cleanses the palate and leaves a hint of citrusy sweetness, perfect after a flavorful seafood dish.
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Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay elevates the meal with its crispness, mirroring the wine used in the pasta sauce.
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Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned and grilled, zucchini adds a delicious smokiness and a lovely texture that harmonizes with the pasta’s creaminess.
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Caprese Skewers: These fresh bites of mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a fun and vibrant starter that’s simple to prepare and enjoy.
Storage Tips for Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: While not ideal, you can freeze the seafood pasta for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe container but note that the texture may change upon thawing.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of white wine or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking the seafood again.
Enjoy Fresh: This Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, so consider only making what you can finish in one sitting if possible!
Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta Variations
Customize this dish to your heart’s content with delightful twists that tantalize your taste buds!
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Chicken Option: Substitute seafood with cooked chicken breast, seasoned and sliced for a hearty alternative. Paired with the creamy sauce, it’s comfort food at its best.
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Andouille Sausage: For a spicy kick, replace the seafood with sliced andouille sausage. The smoky essence adds depth and warmth, perfect for a chilly evening.
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Greens Galore: Toss in fresh greens like arugula or baby spinach just before serving to add color and nutrition. They wilt beautifully in the warm sauce, enhancing both flavor and texture.
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Vegetarian Delight: Omit the seafood entirely and add seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
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Citrus Twist: Swap out the lemon juice for lime for a zesty change that brightens the flavors even more. This is especially refreshing in summertime!
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Pasta Swap: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a nutritious alternative that still holds onto the sauce beautifully, catering to various dietary needs.
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Add a Kick: Sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or use a spicier chili oil for a heat level that satisfies spice lovers. It adds an exhilarating layer to the dish!
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Herb Infusion: Try fresh basil or dill in place of parsley as a garnish. Their fragrant notes impart a fresh, aromatic quality that elevates the overall experience.
With these variations, you can create a dish that fits your mood and the ingredients you have on hand, making your Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta an everlasting culinary favorite!
Expert Tips for Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta
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Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh seafood for the best flavors and textures. Frozen seafood can result in a rubbery consistency if overcooked.
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Garlic Mastery: Adjust the amount of garlic according to your personal preference. Overcooking can lead to bitterness, so sauté gently until golden.
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Pasta Timing: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking when you toss it with the sauce. This helps prevent mushiness.
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Wine Selection: Choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking; a quality wine enhances the flavor of your Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta.
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Layering Flavors: Taste and adjust your seasonings at each step of cooking. Season lightly and build up flavors gradually; remember, less can be more!
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Seafood Swaps: If seafood isn’t your favorite, feel free to replace it with chicken or andouille sausage. Be sure to cook any meat through before adding it to the sauce!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta in advance can significantly streamline your meal planning! You can chop the shallots, onions, and garlic up to 24 hours ahead, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, consider cooking the pasta a day prior and tossing it in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, just sauté your prepped ingredients with the remaining components, add the seafood, and finish with a splash of white wine and lemon juice. This method saves you precious time while ensuring that your dish retains its deliciously vibrant flavor and texture!
Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta Recipe FAQs
What type of white wine should I use for the sauce?
I recommend using a dry white wine such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity in these wines enhances the flavors of the sauce without overpowering the dish. If you’re not a fan of wine, a splash of broth can also work as a substitute.
How do I choose the best seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh seafood is key for the best flavor and texture. When selecting mussels, look for ones that are tightly closed or close when tapped; discard any that are open. For shrimp, choose those that are firm and smell briny, not fishy. If fresh seafood isn’t available, frozen varieties work, but be cautious not to overcook them.
How should I store leftovers?
Store your Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing. To reheat, do so gently over low heat with a splash of white wine or broth to prevent the seafood from becoming rubbery.
Can I freeze Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with some added liquid to restore its creamy texture.
What should I do if my mussels don’t open during cooking?
If your mussels don’t open, it generally means they were dead before cooking. It’s best to discard any unopened mussels after steaming to avoid potential food safety issues. To prevent this, always ensure you buy live mussels, which should be closed or should close when tapped.
Can I make this dish for someone with shellfish allergies?
Very! If anyone at your table has shellfish allergies, consider substituting the seafood with chicken or andouille sausage. Ensure that you cook any alternative protein thoroughly and adjust any seasonings accordingly for a delightful dish without any shellfish present.
Feel free to ask more questions if you have them! Enjoy your cooking!
Garlic Butter & White Wine Seafood Pasta for Effortless Elegance
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil over low heat in a large skillet. Sauté chopped shallots and onions until fragrant and translucent, lightly seasoning with salt.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Stir in Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, singing to taste, and sauté until they soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine, simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off alcohol.
- Season shrimp lightly with salt and add to the pan with mussels, parsley, and butter. Cover for 3-4 minutes until mussels open and shrimp turn pink.
- Remove seafood from the pan and reduce heat to low.
- Combine al dente angel hair pasta with reserved pasta water into the sauce. Toss until fully coated.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and turn off heat when the sauce is mostly absorbed.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice, toss, then top with seafood, parsley, and a dash of crushed red pepper.