Luxurious White Wine Shrimp Pasta: Tender, Zesty, and Incredibly Easy
Restaurant-Quality White Wine Sauce Shrimp Pasta You Can Make at Home
Indulge in this exquisite shrimp pasta, elevated by a smooth and sophisticated white wine sauce. It’s wonderfully tender, never heavy, and offers a delightful zestiness that will impress your palate. Best of all, its simplicity makes it a go-to dish for a quick yet elegant Italian meal, rivaling any fine dining experience.
Ingredients- 2 servings of pasta
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (or a pinch of dried thyme)
- 400g fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1-1/2 cups dry white wine (approx. 360ml)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 handful fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste (for pasta water and seasoning)
- Black pepper to taste (for seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. While the water heats, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to a wide pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. About halfway through, add the sprig of fresh thyme and the minced or sliced garlic. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the herbs and garlic to infuse the oil. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Season the onions lightly with salt and pepper. The thyme is key to achieving that signature herbaceous depth and subtle aroma in Italian cuisine.
Step 2
Once the onions are translucent and the garlic is aromatic, reduce the heat slightly and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. Let the butter melt, then add the peeled and deveined fresh shrimp. Using fresh shrimp, rather than frozen, contributes significantly to the richness and flavor of the sauce. Stir gently to combine the shrimp with the onions and butter.
Step 3
Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes, just until they turn a vibrant pink color. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them tough. By this point, your pasta should be nearly al dente. Ensure your pasta water is seasoned appropriately, tasting like a gentle sea breeze – slightly salty.
Step 4
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about a cup of the starchy pasta water, and add it directly to the pan with the shrimp and onions. Never discard the pasta water; it’s essential for creating a luscious sauce. Pour in the 1-1/2 cups of white wine. Increase the heat to medium and let it simmer, allowing the wine to meld with the natural juices released from the shrimp and onions. The alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind a wonderful depth of flavor. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency. If you prefer a saucier pasta, feel free to add more pasta water.
Step 5
Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley. This not only adds a burst of fresh color and aroma but also provides a delightful textural contrast.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to add the ingredient that brings everything together: Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy finish.
Step 7
Serve the finished pasta immediately in warm bowls. It looks quite generous, doesn’t it? My daughter and I shared this dish recently, and her enthusiastic praise, ‘This is so delicious!’, filled me with immense satisfaction. Cooking is a joy, but the delight of a loved one’s compliment makes the experience even more rewarding. I hope you enjoy making this recipe and sharing delicious moments with your loved ones!
