How to Make Delicious Pasta alla Marinara with Mixed Seafood

Simple Summary

Pasta alla Marinara with Seafood is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines al dente pasta with a flavorful tomato sauce and a medley of fresh seafood, creating a perfect balance of land and sea flavors.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) linguine or spaghetti
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cans (28 oz/800g total) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb (225g) mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1/4 lb (115g) calamari rings
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

2. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

5. Increase the heat under the sauce to medium. Add the shrimp and calamari to the simmering sauce and cook for 2 minutes.

6. Add the mussels to the skillet, cover, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mussels open and the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Discard any mussels that don't open.

7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and seafood. Toss gently to combine, adding some of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and toss once more.

9. Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with lemon wedges.

Chef's Notes

• For best results, use a mix of seafood, but feel free to adjust based on availability or preference. You can also add clams or chunks of firm white fish.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried: use 1 tablespoon fresh oregano and 1 tablespoon fresh basil instead.
• Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the seafood.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 35g
• Healthy Fats: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 85g
• Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B12, and Selenium from the seafood
• Good source of Lycopene from the tomatoes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes an excellent side dish.
• For a complete Italian experience, start the meal with a small serving of bruschetta.
• Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a fresh basil leaf for added flavor and visual appeal.
• This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or for entertaining guests on a special occasion.