PASTA WITH SEAFOOD: A DELICIOUS AND SIMPLE RECIPE TO PREPARE
Seafood pasta, or “pasta with seafood,” is a classic dish from Mediterranean cuisine, combining the savory taste of fresh seafood with the al dente texture of pasta. This light and refined dish is perfect for a family dinner or to impress your guests at a special occasion. If you love seafood and want to try a simple yet delicious recipe, this pasta with seafood recipe is perfect for you!
In this recipe, we will guide you step-by-step to prepare pasta with seafood using fresh, high-quality ingredients. You will learn how to marry marine flavors with pasta while following the best cooking techniques.
INGREDIENTS FOR PASTA WITH SEAFOOD
To make pasta , you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main ingredients:
- 400g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle)
- 300g peeled shrimp
- 200g fresh mussels
- 200g squid rings
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 300g cherry tomatoes
- 1 glass of vegetable or fish broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Lemon zest
- A few fresh basil leaves (optional)
PASTA WITH SEAFOOD PREPARATION: STEP-BY-STEP
The recipe is easy to make, but it’s essential to follow each step to get a perfect combination of flavors. Use the directions below to make a delicious dish.
COOKING THE PASTA
The first step in making pasta is cooking the pasta. Heat a large saucepan of salted water till it boils. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the seafood. After finishing, set aside a cup of the cooking water and drain the pasta.
PREPARING THE SEAFOOD
To prepare the seafood, start by cleaning the mussels. Discard any open or broken ones. Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and the sliced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
Next, add the mussels and cook over medium heat. Cover and let the mussels open for about 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and squid rings. Cook for about 3-4 minutes over medium heat until the shrimp turn pink and the squid becomes tender.
ADDING TOMATOES AND SEASONINGS
Once the seafood is cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them simmer for a few minutes until they soften and release their juice. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes if you’d like a spicy kick.
MIXING THE PASTA AND SEAFOOD
Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the seafood and tomatoes. Mix well so that the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce. If necessary, add a little of the reserved cooking water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
FINALIZING
Once the pasta is well coated with the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. You can also add some lemon zest for a fresh and fragrant touch.
PLATING AND SERVING
Serve the pasta with seafood immediately on warm plates. Garnish each serving with a few fresh basil leaves and, if desired, add a bit more lemon zest for a final touch. Your dish is now ready to enjoy!
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFULLY MAKING PASTA WITH SEAFOOD
Choosing the Right Seafood
For this recipe, it’s essential to use fresh seafood. If you don’t have access to fresh seafood, you can use frozen seafood, but make sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
Adding Extra Vegetables
If you’d like to enhance your dish, you can add vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. They pair well with seafood and add a fresh touch to the dish.
Adjusting the Seasoning
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or even a bit more chili if you like spicy dishes. Fresh parsley and lemon zest will provide a final touch of freshness.
VARIATIONS OF THE PASTA WITH SEAFOOD RECIPE
Grilled Seafood Pasta
An interesting variation of this recipe involves grilling the seafood before adding it to the pasta. This method gives the seafood a firmer texture and a slightly smoky flavor.
Saffron Seafood Pasta
For an even more exotic touch, you can add a few saffron threads to the sauce. This will give the pasta a golden color and a delicate aroma.
CONCLUSION
The recipe is a simple yet refined dish that will please all seafood lovers. With fresh ingredients and quick preparation, you can create a flavorful dish that transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast. Follow our tips to achieve perfectly cooked pasta and well-seasoned sauce, and feel free to personalize the recipe to your liking. Enjoy your meal!