When it comes to cooking, there are few combinations as elegant and inviting as a dish featuring white wine and fresh herbs. The crisp acidity of the wine pairs perfectly with the bright flavors of the herbs, creating a culinary experience that is both sophisticated and refined.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 beautiful recipes that showcase the perfect marriage of white wine and fresh herbs. From seafood options like garlic butter scallops in white wine sauce to chicken and pork dishes like coq au vin blanc and pork chops with white wine and mushroom gravy, there’s something for every taste and dietary preference.
In the following pages, we’ll delve into each recipe, highlighting the key ingredients, cooking techniques, and presentation ideas that make these dishes truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newcomer, you’ll find inspiration in this collection of elegant recipes featuring white wine and fresh herbs.
Garlic Butter Scallops in White Wine Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this decadent and flavorful recipe featuring succulent scallops smothered in a rich white wine sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse scallops under cold water; pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add scallops; sear for 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove from heat.
5. Reduce heat to low and add white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Serve scallops with white wine sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with White Wine
A classic combination of flavors, this dish is a perfect blend of bright and bold. Fresh lemon, savory garlic, and succulent shrimp come together in harmony with white wine-infused pasta for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
4. In the same skillet, add lemon juice, white wine, chicken broth, mustard, and flour. Whisk until smooth.
5. Combine cooked pasta with reserved pasta water and sauce mixture. Simmer for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
6. Add cooked shrimp back into the pasta and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
White Wine Mushroom Risotto
Savor the rich flavors of this classic Italian dish, where Arborio rice and sautéed mushrooms meld with white wine and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion; cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their moisture and start browning, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add white wine; cook until absorbed, stirring occasionally.
6. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until each portion is fully absorbed before adding the next.
7. After 20-25 minutes of cooking and adding broth, remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Coq au Vin Blanc
Coq au Vin Blanc is a French classic that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This recipe elevates the traditional dish with a rich and creamy white wine sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine (dry)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in the butter until melted. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
White Wine Poached Salmon with Dill
A delicate and flavorful dish that showcases the tender taste of salmon. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as an impressive dinner party centerpiece.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup white wine
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine white wine, water, and chopped dill.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Add the salmon fillets, making sure they’re fully submerged in the liquid.
5. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
6. Poach for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
8. Serve with lemon wedges and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chicken Piccata with White Wine and Capers
This Italian-inspired dish is a staple of fine dining, yet easy to prepare at home. Thinly pounded chicken breasts are dredged in flour, then sautéed with garlic, white wine, and capers for a flavorful and elegant meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken to skillet; cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium. Add white wine and capers to skillet; simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Return chicken to skillet; spoon sauce over the top.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy White Wine Garlic Mussels
Savor the rich flavors of this indulgent mussel dish, perfect for a cozy evening with loved ones.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse mussels under cold water; discard any broken or open shells.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add white wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until liquid reduces slightly.
4. Add mussels and heavy cream; stir to combine.
5. Cover skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until mussels are open and cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
White Wine Braised Short Ribs
Succulent short ribs slow-cooked in a rich white wine sauce, perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 beef short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine (dry)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides, then remove from pot.
4. Add chopped onion and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add white wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover, and transfer to preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Seared Scallops with White Wine Lemon Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this quick and elegant recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse scallops under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, 30 seconds.
3. Add scallops to the skillet; sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium; add white wine, lemon juice, and butter to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve seared scallops with White Wine Lemon Sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
White Wine and Herb Roasted Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic roasted chicken recipe, perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion. Fresh herbs and white wine add a bright and citrusy twist to the classic roast.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), rinsed and patted dry
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, butter, garlic, white wine, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Clams in White Wine and Garlic Broth
A classic seafood dish that’s simple yet elegant, this recipe showcases the brininess of clams paired with the richness of garlic and white wine. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds freshly shucked clams
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add white wine and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
4. Add clams and cook until they open, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
White Wine Risotto with Asparagus and Parmesan
Elevate your dinner table with this creamy and flavorful risotto, featuring the sweetness of asparagus and the tanginess of parmesan.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons white wine (dry)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the asparagus and garlic in olive oil until tender.
3. Add Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add white wine; stir until absorbed.
5. Gradually add warmed broth, stirring continuously, until rice is cooked (about 20-25 minutes).
6. Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes.
Lobster Tail in White Wine Butter Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this decadent and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Succulent lobster tails smothered in a rich white wine butter sauce make for the perfect special occasion meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse lobster tails under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add white wine, lemon juice, and garlic; simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the white wine butter sauce evenly over each tail.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lobster is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
White Wine Marinated Grilled Shrimp
Elevate your shrimp game with this refreshing summer recipe that combines the sweetness of white wine, citrus, and herbs to create a flavorful and succulent grilled treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together white wine, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Pork Chops with White Wine and Mushroom Gravy
This classic dish combines tender pork chops with a rich, savory gravy featuring sautéed mushrooms and white wine. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 inches thick)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add white wine, chicken broth, and flour. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
6. Place pork chops in the skillet and spoon some of the gravy over each chop.
7. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until pork is cooked through.
8. Serve hot with remaining gravy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
White Wine Poached Pears with Vanilla
This elegant dessert is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. By poaching pears in a fragrant white wine syrup infused with vanilla, you’ll create a sweet and sophisticated treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
– 1 cup white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine white wine, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the split vanilla bean to the syrup and poach pears for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. Remove pears from the syrup with a slotted spoon and let cool.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding the vanilla bean.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
White Wine and Herb Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your roasted potatoes with a flavorful twist by infusing them with the brightness of white wine and the depth of fresh herbs. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for accompanying a variety of main courses.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Add white wine, rosemary, and thyme; stir until potatoes are evenly moistened.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange potatoes in a single layer.
5. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and tender.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Sauce
A light and flavorful dish that highlights the delicate taste of cod, paired with a rich and tangy tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the pan with olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Sear cod for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
5. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Pour in white wine and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Add canned tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
8. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer while cod rests.
9. Serve cod with tomato sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Elevate your cooking game with these 18 elegant recipes that combine the sophistication of white wine with the freshness of herbs. From seafood to poultry and even vegetarian options, each dish is carefully crafted to showcase the perfect balance of flavors. Discover mouthwatering creations like garlic butter scallops in white wine sauce, lemon garlic shrimp pasta, and creamy white wine garlic mussels. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to impress your family and friends, these recipes are sure to delight.
