Seafood Pasta Recipe

Seafood pasta is one of those dishes that feels restaurant-worthy yet is surprisingly easy to prepare at home. This recipe combines tender shrimp, juicy scallops, fresh mussels and clams with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich tomato-based sauce. The result is a hearty and elegant meal that works equally well for a family dinner or a special occasion. Inspired by classic Italian seafood pasta traditions, this version focuses on fresh flavors, simple ingredients, and proper seafood cooking techniques.

Main Essence of This Dish

The beauty of seafood pasta lies in the balance between delicate seafood and a flavorful tomato sauce. Each type of seafood brings its own texture and taste, while garlic, onions, tomatoes, and herbs create a savory base that ties everything together. Cooking each seafood variety separately helps preserve its natural tenderness and prevents overcooking.

Recipe Information

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
• Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon salt

For the Seafood

• ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ pound sea scallops
• ½ pound mussels, cleaned and debearded
• ½ pound clams, scrubbed clean

For the Tomato Sauce

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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How to Make Seafood Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the butter and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¾ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Cook the Scallops

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season the scallops lightly with salt and pepper. Sear them for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked. Transfer them to the plate with the scallops.

Step 5: Steam the Mussels and Clams

Add the mussels and clams to the skillet along with a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Cover the pan and cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the shells open. Discard any shellfish that do not open during cooking.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the tomato sauce. Toss well, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Gently fold in the shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams. Mix until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta and serve immediately. A side of crusty bread and a fresh green salad make excellent accompaniments.

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Tips for Success

• Use the freshest seafood available for the best flavor.
• Cook each seafood type separately because they have different cooking times.
• Do not overcook shrimp or scallops, as they can become rubbery.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
• Discard any clams or mussels that remain closed after cooking.

Seafood Cooking Guide

Following these cooking times helps keep the seafood tender and flavorful.

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Nutritional Information