Description
Seafood Pasta with Shrimp, Mussels, and Clams
A rich and creamy seafood pasta featuring shrimp, mussels, and clams in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or when you want to indulge in delicious seafood!
Ingredients
:
For the pasta:
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
For the seafood:
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 mussels, scrubbed and debearded
12 clams, scrubbed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
:
Cook the pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the seafood:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp, mussels, and clams to the skillet, seasoning with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the shells open, remove from heat.
Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, add the white wine and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, thickening slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine the pasta and seafood:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
Add the cooked shrimp, mussels, and clams, tossing them with the pasta to combine. Drizzle with lemon juice.
Serve:
Plate the seafood pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
This seafood pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, combining the sweetness of shrimp, mussels, and clams in a delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed sequence for perfect results. First, prep all ingredients: scrub shellfish, devein shrimp, mince garlic, and chop parsley. Begin cooking the pasta just before you start the seafood. For the seafood, ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the oil. Add the garlic for only 30 seconds to avoid burning. Place the mussels and clams first, then the shrimp, as they cook faster. The sauce is built in the same pan to capture all the flavorful fond. Let the wine and broth reduce by half before adding cream. Finally, combine the al dente pasta with the sauce off the heat to finish cooking the pasta in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this pasta immediately in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the seafood. Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the luxurious sauce. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness. For wine, pair with the same dry white wine used in the recipe, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
How-to Summary
To make this seafood pasta: 1) Cook pasta until al dente. 2) Sauté garlic, then cook shrimp, mussels, and clams until shells open. 3) Deglaze the pan with wine and broth, then simmer with cream and red pepper flakes. 4) Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, add seafood back, and finish with lemon juice. 5) Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood? Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry. Note that pre-cooked shrimp should be added at the end just to warm through.
What if my clams or mussels don’t open? Discard any that remain closed after cooking, as they were likely dead before cooking and are unsafe to eat.
How can I make this dish less rich? Substitute half the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be thinner.
Can I prepare any components ahead? You can clean the seafood and prep the ingredients, but cook everything just before serving for best texture.
What’s a good substitute for white wine? Use additional chicken broth with a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for acidity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery. They cook in just 2-3 minutes.
- Adding pasta that is fully cooked to the sauce. It should be al dente so it can finish absorbing the sauce.
- Crowding the skillet when cooking the seafood, which steams instead of sautés them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan cheese, which doesn’t melt as well. Freshly grate it for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This seafood pasta is an impressive yet approachable dish perfect for entertaining or a special weeknight meal. The combination of fresh shellfish, a creamy, garlic-infused sauce, and al dente pasta creates a restaurant-quality experience at home. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a stunning, flavorful result that is sure to delight. Enjoy the process and the delicious reward.