Seafood Pasta with Garlic & White Wine Sauce is a dish that combines elegance, comfort, and rich coastal flavors in every bite. Tender shrimp, scallops, or your favorite seafood blend simmer gently in a fragrant sauce made with garlic, butter, herbs, and white wine, coating every strand of pasta with irresistible depth.

This dish feels restaurant-quality yet is surprisingly achievable at home, making it ideal for weeknight meals, date nights, or dinner parties. It’s a wonderful way to bring the freshness of the sea to your table with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. The sauce cooks quickly, allowing the natural sweetness of the seafood to shine through.

The combination of white wine and garlic creates an aromatic base that elevates the dish without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can mix different seafood varieties, choose your favorite pasta type, and easily adjust the spice or creaminess levels. Each bite feels luxurious yet comforting, making it a go-to recipe I keep returning to.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This seafood pasta is a must-try because it delivers bold, restaurant-style flavors with minimal ingredients and fuss. The dish showcases how little you need to create something truly special—just fresh seafood, quality wine, good olive oil, and garlic.

It’s perfect for entertaining, as it looks impressive on the plate and satisfies a range of tastes. The sauce is light yet flavorful, making it ideal for anyone who wants a rich dish without heaviness. It’s timeless, comforting, and endlessly customizable, making it a staple recipe everyone should have.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings and Calories

Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving

Course and Cuisine

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the Seafood Pasta

• 300 g (10–12 oz) linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ¾ cup seafood or chicken broth
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 300 g (10 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 200 g (7 oz) scallops or calamari rings
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
4. Add white wine and simmer until reduced by half.
5. Pour in broth and cherry tomatoes; cook for 3–4 minutes.
6. Add shrimp and scallops; cook until opaque and tender.
7. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and parsley.
8. Toss pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
9. Serve immediately topped with Parmesan, if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water for later.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Add garlic and onion and sauté until soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor.

Step 3: Add Wine and Broth

Pour in the white wine, allowing it to reduce by half to intensify the sauce. Add broth and simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Cook the Seafood

Add shrimp and scallops to the simmering sauce. Cook just until tender and opaque to maintain their natural sweetness and texture.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan. Toss well so the pasta absorbs the wine-garlic sauce. Add pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Mix in lemon juice and parsley. Adjust seasoning, plate the dish, and top with Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve the seafood pasta immediately while warm. Garnish with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors. Pair with crusty garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a chilled glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. This dish works beautifully as a main course for dinner gatherings or romantic at-home meals.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook the seafood; it becomes rubbery quickly.
• Use high-quality dry white wine for the best flavor.
• Reserve pasta water—it helps emulsify the sauce.
• Add cherry tomatoes for sweetness or spinach for extra greens.
• Allow the sauce to simmer briefly after adding wine to avoid sharpness.

Variations

Creamy Seafood Pasta

Add ½ cup heavy cream during the broth stage for a richer, creamier sauce.

Spicy Arrabbiata Seafood Pasta

Add more red pepper flakes and ½ cup crushed tomatoes for a spicy kick.

Lemon Herb Variation

Increase lemon juice and add lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist.

Mixed Seafood Medley

Use clams, mussels, or crab meat along with shrimp and scallops.

Gluten-Free Version

Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure broth used is gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the seafood.

Freezing

Seafood pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce without the pasta for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Pasta tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.

What can I use instead of white wine?
Use seafood broth with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Cherry tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini are great options.

Which pasta shape works best?
Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are ideal as they coat well with the sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the butter and Parmesan; use extra olive oil instead.

Conclusion

Seafood Pasta with Garlic & White Wine Sauce is a simple yet luxurious dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. With its aromatic garlic base, fresh seafood, and delicate wine-infused sauce, it’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you prepare it for a special evening or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe guarantees a memorable meal every time. Enjoy the richness, freshness, and versatility this dish offers, and make it a staple in your recipe collection.

If you’d like, I can also create a printable recipe card or add nutritional details.