Seafood Pasta bursts with flavor and aroma, making it a delight for seafood lovers. This dish beautifully combines the tenderness of shrimp, the briny taste of Manila clams, and the delicate flavor of scallops, all enveloped in a rich, zesty tomato sauce. With its pleasing combination of textures and tastes, Seafood Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the sun-soaked shores of Italy.

What makes this Seafood Pasta recipe truly special is its straightforward, step-by-step instructions that ensure anyone can replicate this delicious dish in their own kitchen. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this meal is easy, comforting, and immensely satisfying. Let’s dive into this quick and delightful recipe, perfect for cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Ingredients

To create this Seafood Pasta, you will need:

• 10 oz. (350g) spaghetti: This pasta acts as the base, providing a hearty foundation with a delightful al dente texture.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Aromatic and silky, this oil will add depth and richness to the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fragrant and savory, the garlic infuses the oil with its punchy essence, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 4 oz. (125g) shrimp (shelled and deveined): Juicy and tender, these shrimp cook quickly and pack a protein punch.
• 8 oz. (230g) Manila clams: Offering a briny burst of umami, these clams provide a taste of the sea.
• 4 oz. (125g) scallops: Sweet and delicate, the scallops contribute a luxurious texture to the dish.
• 1 can tomato sauce: Rich and tangy, this sauce creates the heartbeat of our pasta.
• 8 oz. (228g) whole peeled tomatoes: These add a fresh, juicy flavor while creating a vibrant color.
• 1 tablespoon chopped Italian basil leaves: Fragrant and herbal, the basil brightens up the sauce, offering a hint of freshness.
• Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors, bringing harmony to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or brown sugar): A touch of sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Chopped Italian parsley (for garnishing): Fresh and colorful, it adds a beautiful finish and a pop of flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it reaches al dente perfection, drain it and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a blender or food processor, blend the can of whole peeled tomatoes until smooth. Set the sauce aside as you move on to the next step.

3. Heat the Oil and Garlic: In a skillet heated to medium, add the olive oil. Once hot, throw in the minced garlic and sauté it for just a minute until fragrant but not browned.

4. Add the Seafood: Toss in the shrimp, Manila clams, and scallops. Stir them well to combine with the garlic; allow them to cook until they turn golden and almost fully cooked through.

5. Incorporate the Sauce: Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the seafood mixture. Add the chopped basil leaves, mixing gently to combine everything.

6. Season the Dish: Cooking for a few more minutes, season the seafood pasta with salt to taste and sprinkle in the sugar for a hint of sweetness.

7. Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully.

8. Garnish and Serve: Finally, top your dish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while it’s hot. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

To elevate this Seafood Pasta even further, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like oregano or thyme alongside basil. Additionally, a splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish and enhance the seafood flavors beautifully. If you enjoy a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking brings a pleasant kick.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Seafood Pasta is best served hot right off the skillet. Consider pairing it with a crisp side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors of the dish. A slice of garlic bread would also be excellent to soak up any remaining sauce. If you’re looking for a drink, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing complement.

Nutritional Information

This Seafood Pasta recipe serves approximately four people, with each serving being around 500 calories. It’s rich in protein from the seafood and delivers various vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes and herbs. For a balanced meal, serve with vegetables or a side salad to increase fiber and nutrients.

Storing Tips & Variations

Storing leftover Seafood Pasta is easy; simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or more tomato sauce if it seems dry. For variations, try substituting the seafood with your favorites—mussels, crab, or even a medley of vegetables for a vegetarian twist.

Conclusion

Seafood Pasta is a fantastic dish that brings the best of the ocean right to your table. The combination of fresh seafood, aromatic garlic, and a zesty tomato sauce makes it a meal worth trying. Don’t hesitate to experiment and tailor this recipe to suit your tastes—cooking should be a delicious adventure! We encourage you to give it a go and share your experience along the way.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
   Yes, frozen seafood works well! Just be sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.

2. Is this dish suitable for kids?
   Absolutely! The mild flavors make it kid-friendly. You can reduce the garlic or opt for just shrimp if that’s preferable.

3. What can I substitute for spaghetti?
   Feel free to swap spaghetti with any pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine, linguine, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

4. How can I make this dish spicy?
   To add some spice, include red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic or toss in some diced jalapeños to the seafood mix.

5. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, both the tomato sauce and seafood can be prepared ahead of time. Just store them separately, and combine them with the spaghetti when you’re ready to serve.

Seafood Pasta

A delightful dish bursting with the flavors of shrimp, Manila clams, and scallops enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for seafood lovers.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce Base

• 10 oz spaghetti This pasta acts as the base, providing a hearty foundation.
• 1 can tomato sauce Creates the heartbeat of our pasta.
• 8 oz whole peeled tomatoes Adds fresh, juicy flavor and vibrant color.

Seafood Ingredients

• 4 oz shrimp (shelled and deveined) Juicy and tender, these shrimp cook quickly.
• 8 oz Manila clams Offers a briny burst of umami.
• 4 oz scallops Contributes a luxurious texture.

Flavor Enhancers

• 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds depth and richness to the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) Infuses the oil with a punchy essence.
• 1 tablespoon chopped Italian basil leaves Brightens up the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sugar Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt to taste Salt Enhances all the flavors.
• Chopped Italian parsley for garnishing Chopped Italian parsley Adds a beautiful finish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend the whole peeled tomatoes until smooth. Set aside.

Cooking

1. In a heated skillet, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute until fragrant.
2. Add the shrimp, Manila clams, and scallops. Stir well to combine and cook until golden and almost fully cooked.
3. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the seafood mixture. Stir in the chopped basil leaves.
4. Season to taste with salt and sprinkle the sugar. Cook for a few more minutes.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together to absorb the sauce.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Consider using a mix of fresh herbs like oregano or thyme, and a splash of lemon juice for added brightness. Red pepper flakes can be added for spice.