Italian Seafood – Easy Recipes

Italian Seafood Pasta

Italian cuisine is a symphony of flavors, textures, and vibrant ingredients. Among the many celebrated dishes, seafood pasta holds a special place for its ability to combine the essence of the ocean with the warmth of Mediterranean herbs and olive oil. This healthy Italian pasta recipe, enriched with fresh parsley and high-quality olive oil, showcases the magic of simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Why This Seafood Pasta Recipe Stands Out

Italian seafood pasta is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot on your table:

Healthy and Light: Made with heart-healthy olive oil, fresh herbs, and lean protein from seafood, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Versatile: Use your favorite seafood mix to personalize the dish. The combination of shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, and flaky fish like cod or haddock adds a medley of flavors and textures.

Authentic Italian Flavors: From the zesty kick of hot pepper flakes to the earthy aroma of parsley and the richness of olive oil, every bite takes you straight to Italy.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s explore the ingredients that make this dish truly exceptional:

Mixed Seafood (2 cups): Shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari rings, cod, and haddock form the perfect blend of oceanic flavors. For best results, use fresh seafood, but frozen works too—just ensure it’s thawed and drained.

Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): This herb adds a burst of freshness and vibrant green color.

Olive Oil (¼ cup): A staple of Italian cooking, olive oil provides a smooth and slightly fruity base for the dish.

Hot Pepper Flakes (1-3 dashes): Adjust the heat to your liking, adding just enough spice to complement the seafood.

Salt (1-2 pinches, to taste): Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

White Wine (¼ cup, optional): Use a good-quality wine to deglaze the pan and add a subtle depth of flavor. If you prefer, skip this step without compromising the dish.

Linguine or Spaghetti (3 cups, cooked): Both pasta types work beautifully, soaking up the sauce and balancing the dish.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Seafood Pasta

Prep Your Ingredients: Chop parsley, thaw seafood (if using frozen), and measure your ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth cooking process.

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Boil the pasta in salted water until it’s slightly firm. This prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Don’t Overcook Seafood: Cook seafood on medium heat just until it’s opaque and tender. Overcooking can make it rubbery.

Save Pasta Water: Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining. Its starchy content helps bind the sauce to the pasta.

Serve Fresh: This dish tastes best when served immediately. Leftovers can be stored for a day but may lose their fresh flavor.

Variations to Try

Add Veggies: Sautéed cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini make excellent additions.

Experiment with Herbs: Swap parsley with basil, oregano, or dill for a different twist.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.

Creamy Touch: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for a richer texture.

Italian Seafood Pasta

Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari rings, cod, haddock; cut calamari and haddock into small pieces)

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

¼ cup olive oil

1-3 dashes hot pepper flakes

1-2 pinches salt (to taste)

¼ cup white wine (optional, use good quality)

3 cups cooked linguine or spaghetti

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ ladle of pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seafood, parsley, hot pepper flakes, and salt. Cook until the seafood is tender and opaque.

If using white wine, add it at this stage. Increase heat to high, allowing the wine to evaporate (30-60 seconds).

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Gently toss and cook for an additional 30-60 seconds to combine the flavors.

Serve and Garnish: Transfer to plates, garnish with extra parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes:

For frozen seafood, ensure it’s plain (no added sauce or spices), thawed, and drained to remove excess moisture.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)