Dinner Recipes

By Taryn Chavez

18 Elegant Recipes with White Wine and Fresh Herbs

Elevate your cooking game with the perfect pairing: white wine and fresh herbs. In this collection of 18 elegant recipes, we’ll show you how to bring out the best flavors in a variety of dishes, from seafood to poultry to pasta and more. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a impressive dish for a special occasion, these recipes are sure to impress.

From rich and creamy sauces to light and refreshing sides, our featured dishes incorporate white wine and fresh herbs in innovative ways. You’ll discover how to make everything from garlic butter scallops with a white wine sauce to white wine poached pears with vanilla. And the best part? These recipes are easy to follow and require minimal ingredients.

In this article, we’ll dive into each of our 18 featured recipes, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips along the way. So why not grab a glass of your favorite white wine and get cooking?

Garlic Butter Scallops with White Wine Sauce

Garlic Butter Scallops with White Wine Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this decadent recipe featuring tender scallops smothered in a rich garlic butter and white wine sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.

Ingredients:

– 12 large scallops
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 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 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add scallops; sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Remove scallops from skillet; set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low; add white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice to skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in remaining butter until melted.
8. Serve scallops with sauce spooned over top. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Lemon White Wine Risotto with Parmesan

Lemon White Wine Risotto with Parmesan
Lemon White Wine Risotto with Parmesan: A Bright and Savory Dish Perfect for Any Occasion

This creamy risotto is infused with the brightness of lemon, the subtlety of white wine, and the richness of Parmesan cheese. Serve as a side dish or add some protein like chicken or shrimp to make it a main course.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent.
2. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add white wine; cook until absorbed.
4. Add warmed broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
5. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

White Wine Braised Chicken with Mushrooms

White Wine Braised Chicken with Mushrooms
A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner party or a weeknight meal. This recipe combines the tenderizing power of white wine with the earthy flavor of mushrooms to create a rich and satisfying sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button)
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, mushrooms, and thyme. Cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
5. Add white wine to the pot and stir to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Return chicken to the pot and cover with a lid or foil. Braise in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Shrimp Scampi with White Wine and Garlic

Shrimp Scampi with White Wine and Garlic
This recipe yields a flavorful and aromatic shrimp dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its simplicity and quick cooking time, you’ll be enjoying this mouthwatering scampi in no time.

Ingredients:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp; cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet, leaving the garlic residue behind.
6. Pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
7. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 1 minute, then stir in lemon juice.
8. Serve the shrimp with the white wine and garlic sauce spooned over the top; garnish with parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

White Wine Poached Pears with Vanilla

White Wine Poached Pears with Vanilla
Transform ordinary pears into an extraordinary dessert by poaching them in a mixture of white wine, sugar, and vanilla. This elegant recipe is perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients:

– 4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1 cup white wine (dry or sweet)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine white wine, sugar, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the split vanilla bean to the poaching liquid and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Peel the pears and add them to the poaching liquid. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pears are tender.
6. Remove the pears from the poaching liquid with a slotted spoon and place on a serving dish.
7. Dot the top of each pear with butter and serve warm.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Creamy White Wine Pasta with Spinach

Creamy White Wine Pasta with Spinach
This creamy pasta dish is a perfect blend of flavors, featuring tender spinach, garlic, and a rich white wine sauce. With just a few ingredients and 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté garlic and spinach in a little bit of olive oil until wilted.
3. Add white wine and cook until reduced by half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Combine cooked pasta and sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

White Wine Steamed Mussels with Herbs

White Wine Steamed Mussels with Herbs
Elevate your seafood game with this elegant and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of mussels with the brightness of white wine and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
– 1/4 cup dry white wine
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse mussels under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large pot or steamer basket, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add white wine, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Add mussels to the pot and cover with a lid. Steam for 5-7 minutes or until mussels are open.
5. Serve immediately, discarding any unopened mussels.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Pan-Seared Salmon with White Wine Dill Sauce

Pan-Seared Salmon with White Wine Dill Sauce
A flavorful and elegant dinner option, this recipe combines the richness of pan-seared salmon with the brightness of a white wine dill sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup white wine
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add white wine to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Stir in heavy cream, chopped dill, and garlic. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for an additional minute.
7. Serve salmon with white wine dill sauce spooned over top.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

White Wine Marinated Grilled Shrimp

White Wine Marinated Grilled Shrimp
Elevate your seafood game with this refreshing and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the crispness of white wine.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together white wine, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley or dill if desired.

Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes

Chicken Piccata with White Wine and Capers

Chicken Piccata with White Wine and Capers
This classic Italian dish is a staple of fine dining, yet surprisingly easy to make at home. Thinly pounded chicken breasts are dredged in flour, sautéed in butter, and finished with a tangy white wine sauce and a sprinkle of salty capers.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup dry white wine
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
2. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken and cook 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add white wine, lemon juice, and garlic.
7. Simmer sauce for 1 minute, then stir in capers.
8. Serve chicken with sauce spooned over the top.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

White Wine and Herb Roasted Potatoes

White Wine and Herb Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the natural sweetness of potatoes with the brightness of white wine and fresh herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 2-3 large Yukon gold 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 leaves
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper; toss until potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Add white wine, rosemary, and thyme; toss gently to distribute herbs evenly.
4. Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and tender, flipping halfway through cooking time.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

White Wine Clam Chowder with Bacon

White Wine Clam Chowder with Bacon
A creamy and flavorful seafood soup that combines the brininess of clams with the richness of white wine and crispy bacon.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons butter
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup white wine (dry)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave drippings in the pot.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add clams, white wine, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 10-12 minutes or until clams are tender.
6. Stir in cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes

White Wine Glazed Carrots with Thyme

White Wine Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Elevate your side dish game with this flavorful recipe that combines sweet and savory notes. A perfect accompaniment to roasted meats or as a standalone vegetable option.

Ingredients:

– 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add sliced carrots and cook for 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
4. Pour in white wine, honey, and thyme sprigs. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until carrots are tender and caramelized.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

White Wine and Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

White Wine and Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Elevate your seafood game with this decadent recipe that combines the richness of lobster tails with the brightness of white wine and the pungency of garlic butter.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 lobster tails (1-1.5 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse lobster tails under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in white wine; bring mixture to simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until reduced by half.
5. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with garlic butter mixture.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lobster reaches desired doneness (internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C).
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

White Wine Risotto with Asparagus and Peas

White Wine Risotto with Asparagus and Peas
This rich and flavorful risotto is a perfect springtime dish, combining the sweetness of white wine with the freshness of asparagus and peas.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 1/2 cup frozen peas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add Arborio rice; cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add white wine; cook, stirring constantly, until absorbed.
4. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
5. After 20 minutes of cooking, add asparagus and peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until asparagus is tender.
6. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

White Wine Braised Short Ribs with Rosemary

White Wine Braised Short Ribs with Rosemary
Rich and flavorful short ribs are elevated by the subtle tang of white wine and the herbaceousness of rosemary, making this dish perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.

Ingredients:

– 4 pounds beef short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine (dry)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 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 oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot.
4. Add onion and garlic to pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add white wine, beef broth, and rosemary to pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to oven.
7. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until meat is tender and falls off the bone.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional rosemary if desired.

Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours

White Wine and Lemon Grilled Chicken

White Wine and Lemon Grilled Chicken
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this refreshing twist! This White Wine and Lemon Grilled Chicken recipe combines the brightness of citrus with the subtlety of white wine, resulting in a flavorful and moist dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together white wine, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

White Wine Infused Mushroom Soup

White Wine Infused Mushroom Soup
Elevate your soup game with this creamy, savory, and utterly delicious White Wine Infused Mushroom Soup. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a starter for your next gathering.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Pour in white wine and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring soup to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Summary

Elevate your cooking with these elegant recipes that combine white wine and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. From succulent Garlic Butter Scallops to hearty White Wine Braised Chicken, these dishes are sure to impress. Try pairing White Wine and Herb Roasted Potatoes with Pan-Seared Salmon or adding some zing to Creamy White Wine Pasta with Spinach. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, chicken, or something sweet like Poached Pears, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to delight. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of white wine and get cooking!

Leave a Comment