The aroma of garlic mingling with the ocean breeze instantly transports you to a sun-soaked Italian coastline. Seafood pasta, with its tender morsels of shrimp and mussels nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti, invites you to savor each bite like it’s your last. perfect bread pairing for seafood
Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party, and as soon as your guests walk through the door, they catch a whiff of that divine seafood pasta bubbling away in the kitchen. buttery cheddar biscuits Their eyes light up with glee, and suddenly you’re the culinary hero of the night! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with laughter, stories, and delicious flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This seafood pasta recipe is easy to whip up on busy weeknights or special occasions alike
- The flavor profile balances fresh herbs and rich seafood taste beautifully
- Its vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any table, sure to impress your guests
- Plus, you can easily adapt it to include whatever seafood you have on hand
I remember the first time I made this seafood pasta for friends; their delighted reactions made me feel like I had won an Oscar for Best Dinner! Mediterranean-inspired pizza.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Spaghetti: Choose high-quality dried spaghetti for that perfect al dente texture everyone loves.
-
Mixed Seafood: A combo of shrimp, scallops, and mussels adds diverse flavors and textures.
-
Fresh Garlic: Use several cloves for that aromatic punch; fresh garlic truly elevates the dish.
-
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes burst with flavor and add a beautiful pop of color. For more inspiration, check out this One Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles recipe.
-
White Wine: A splash of dry white wine enhances the sauce’s complexity; choose one you enjoy drinking.
-
Olive Oil: Good quality extra virgin olive oil infuses richness into the dish.
-
Fresh Basil: A handful of freshly chopped basil provides an aromatic finish; don’t skip it!
-
Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional but add a delightful kick if you like some heat.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté Garlic and Seafood: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then toss in mixed seafood. Cook until shrimp turns pink and mussels open up.
Add Tomatoes and Wine: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and pour in white wine. Let everything simmer for about five minutes until tomatoes soften and flavors meld beautifully.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with reserved pasta water if needed. Toss everything together until well-coated in that irresistible sauce.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped basil along with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while still hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Enjoy every bite of your homemade seafood pasta creation! For more inspiration, check out this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe.
You Must Know
- Seafood pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience!
- The blend of fresh seafood and flavorful sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent
- Remember, the aroma of garlic and herbs sizzling in olive oil is enough to make anyone weak at the knees!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onion in olive oil, then add your seafood. While it cooks, boil your pasta so everything finishes at once for a perfect blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for scallops or add spices like red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley can elevate the dish’s freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the seafood.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect balance of flavors, always taste your sauce before serving
- Adding a splash of white wine can enhance the overall taste remarkably
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water; it helps bind everything together beautifully!
Cooking seafood pasta reminds me of my first dinner party where I attempted this dish. Everyone was impressed, and I felt like a culinary superstar for a night!
FAQ
What types of seafood work best in seafood pasta?
Shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams are all delicious options for this dish. crispy side dish option.
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood works well; just be sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.
How do I make my seafood pasta creamy?
Add heavy cream or mascarpone cheese to your sauce for a rich and creamy texture.

Seafood Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Seafood pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp, succulent mussels, and perfectly cooked spaghetti in a rich garlic-infused sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also makes for an impressive centerpiece at any dinner party. With vibrant colors and a medley of fresh flavors, each bite transports you straight to the sun-kissed Italian coast. Get ready to wow your guests with this stunning seafood pasta!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add mixed seafood and cook until shrimp turns pink and mussels open.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and white wine; simmer for about five minutes.
- Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce and reserved pasta water as needed.
- Mix in fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute shrimp with scallops or adjust spices according to your preference. For added creaminess, incorporate heavy cream or mascarpone cheese into the sauce.