Seafood Pasta

Seafood Pasta is a delightful dish that can transform an ordinary night into something special. Picture this: a table filled with laughter, a glass of white wine in hand, and the aroma of fresh seafood mingling with garlic and herbs. It’s a meal that brings everyone together, with its vibrant ingredients and satisfying flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just trying your hand in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable yet feels elegant enough for a dinner party. Plus, seafood lovers will savor every bite of tender scallops, juicy shrimp, and briny mussels all nestled in perfectly cooked pasta. The best part? You can whip it up in no time, giving you more moments to enjoy with your loved ones. Ready to create your seafood masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pasta
• Ingredients
• Preparing the Mussels
• Cleaning the Mussels
• Cooking the Pasta
• Boil the Pasta
• Searing the Seafood
• Searing Scallops and Shrimp
• Cooking the Aromatics
• Sautéing Shallots and Garlic
• Combining the Ingredients
• Adding Mussels and Sauce
• Final Assembly
• Tossing the Pasta
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

This Seafood Pasta recipe beautifully combines the delicate flavors of fresh seafood with the richness of garlic butter and white wine, creating an elegant dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The methodical layering of ingredients ensures that each component retains its individual character while simultaneously contributing to a harmonious overall flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pasta

Not only is this Seafood Pasta a feast for the eyes, but it also offers a delightful burst of flavors in every bite. With the perfect balance of tender scallops, juicy shrimp, and briny mussels, this dish elevates the traditional pasta experience while remaining approachable for home cooks. Plus, it’s quick to make, ensuring you can enjoy gourmet dining without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound mussels
• Water (for cleaning mussels)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces whole wheat linguine or spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces sea scallops, patted dry
• 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and patted dry
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 shallot, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ cup dry white wine (or pasta water/broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 ½ teaspoons Old Bay or similar seafood seasoning
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for serving)

Preparing the Mussels

Cleaning the Mussels

Start by placing the mussels in a large bowl and covering them with cool water. Add flour and mix with your hands to combine. Allow them to soak for 30 minutes to let the mussels spit out any sand. After soaking, drain, remove the “beards,” and scrub the shells under running water. It’s crucial to discard any mussels that remain open, as they may not be safe to eat.

Cooking the Pasta

Boil the Pasta

Next, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the noodles. This water can help create a silky sauce later on.

Searing the Seafood

Searing Scallops and Shrimp

In a wide, deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter foams, carefully sear the scallops for 1.5 minutes without disturbing them. Flip the scallops to one side of the pan and add the shrimp to the other side. Sprinkle with salt and cook until the shrimp are no longer translucent and the scallops are cooked through, about 2 more minutes. After that, remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Aromatics

Sautéing Shallots and Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the minced shallot. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Then, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. This step is essential; the fragrance will start to fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to taste what’s coming next.

Combining the Ingredients

Adding Mussels and Sauce

Pour in the white wine, dried oregano, basil, and Old Bay seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the cleaned mussels. Cover the skillet, letting them steam on medium-low heat until they open, which takes about 5 minutes. Be sure to shake the skillet occasionally, discarding any mussels that do not open.

Final Assembly

Tossing the Pasta

Immediately after the mussels open, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the mussels. Along with that, toss in the lemon juice, scallops, shrimp, and chopped parsley. Using tongs, mix everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. This is when the magic happens! Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley for a fresh finish.

Serving Suggestions

For the final touch, serve the Seafood Pasta with crusty garlic bread and a crisp green salad. The crunchy texture of the bread complements the creamy pasta, while the fresh salad adds brightness to your plate. It’s a meal that not only tastes great but looks gorgeous too!

Tips for Success

• Always ensure your seafood is fresh for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches if necessary to get that nice golden-brown crust.
• Adjust the white wine quantity based on your personal preference for a more or less intense flavor.

Variations

You can easily substitute seafood based on availability. For instance, try clams or crab for a different twist. Additionally, adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes can give an extra nutrient boost to this already flavorful dish.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or wine to keep it moist and delicious.

Pairing Ideas

This Seafood Pasta pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio. These wines enhance the seafood flavors perfectly, making each bite a true taste experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood can be used, but ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps maintain the texture.

2. How do I know if the mussels are fresh?
Fresh mussels should be closed and smell like the ocean. Discard any that are open before cooking, as they may not be safe to eat.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the pasta with a gluten-free option like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. You’ll still get that satisfying meal without the gluten.

4. How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference, ensuring it’s just right for you.

5. What can I do with leftover seafood pasta?
Leftover seafood pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also sauté it with additional vegetables for a quick and flavorful stir-fry.

Seafood Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that transport you to coastal shores. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy dinner for two, this dish showcases the beauty of simple yet stunning cooking. With just a few fresh ingredients and a little love, you can bring the taste of the sea to your table, leaving everyone wanting more. Enjoy your culinary journey!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Gluten-Free Butternut Squash Falafel Salad Bowls with Pickled Beets
• Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps
• Trinidad Corn Pie
• Thai Shrimp Red Curry

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