SEAFOOD PASTA ULTIMATE EASY

Craving a restaurant-worthy meal without the restaurant price tag? Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a luscious sauce bursting with fresh seafood flavors. This Seafood Pasta recipe delivers that experience right to your kitchen, and I promise it’s easier than you think!

The Secret to Amazing Seafood Pasta: Fresh Ingredients

Seafood Selection

• 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams – use what you love!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but highly recommended!)

Pasta Power

• 1 pound pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work great)
• Salt for pasta water

The Sauce That Sings

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream (for an extra creamy sauce)

Finishing Touches

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Seafood

1. If using frozen seafood, thaw it completely. Pat it dry with paper towels; this helps it sear nicely.
2. For mussels and clams, scrub them well under cold water and remove any beards (the stringy bits). Discard any that are open and don’t close when tapped.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help bind the sauce to the pasta.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the better it gets!

Step 4: Add the Seafood

1. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and scallops (or any other firm seafood) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly.
3. Add the mussels and clams to the skillet. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels and clams have opened. Discard any that don’t open.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams) to the tomato sauce.
2. Stir in the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
3. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and heavy cream (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves (if desired).

Spice It Up: Variations and Substitutions

Seafood Swaps

Don’t be afraid to customize the seafood! Use your favorites or what’s on sale. Calamari, lobster, or even canned tuna (for a budget-friendly option) can work.

Sauce Sensations

Want a creamier sauce? Add more heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese. For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce while it’s simmering.

Pasta Preferences

Feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle would be delicious. You could even try using Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine as a base for the seafood!

Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection

Don’t Overcook the Seafood

Overcooked seafood is rubbery and tough. Cook it just until it’s opaque and cooked through. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.

Salt Your Pasta Water Generously

This seasons the pasta from the inside out. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.

Don’t Skip the Reserved Pasta Water

This starchy water is essential for creating a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta. It helps to bind the sauce and pasta together beautifully.

Fresh is Best (When Possible)

While frozen seafood works in a pinch, fresh seafood will always deliver the best flavor and texture. If you have access to fresh seafood, definitely use it!

Seafood Pasta FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

While seafood pasta is best served immediately, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the cooked seafood and pasta just before serving.

Can I freeze seafood pasta?

Freezing seafood pasta isn’t recommended, as the pasta can become mushy and the seafood can lose its texture. However, you can freeze the sauce separately. Thaw it completely before reheating and adding the cooked seafood and pasta.

What wine pairs well with seafood pasta?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Vermentino pairs beautifully with seafood pasta. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the sauce and complements the delicate flavors of the seafood.

More Seafood Delights

If you enjoyed this Seafood Pasta, you might also like these delicious seafood recipes: Garlic Butter Baked Scallops for an elegant appetizer or Shrimp Tacos Recipe for a fun and flavorful weeknight meal. And for another creamy pasta dish, check out Creamy Cajun Shrimp Crab Pasta or Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Irresistible. You can even try adding seafood to the Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Creamy Spaghetti for a unique surf-and-turf twist!

Your Seafood Pasta Adventure Awaits!

Making Seafood Pasta at home is totally achievable, and I hope this guide has empowered you to create your own masterpiece! Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients or steps – just take it one step at a time, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!