Best Seafood Pasta Recipe - Easy and Delicious
Seafood pasta—a dish that combines the best of two worlds. Silky noodles mingling with perfectly cooked seafood, all coated in a luscious, flavorful sauce. If you're a foodie, pasta lover, or just someone who loves cooking a memorable meal at home, this recipe is for you.
Whether you're preparing a family dinner or hosting friends, seafood pasta is an elegant yet approachable dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. This blog will walk you through crafting a stunning seafood pasta dish that’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress.
Why You'll Love This Seafood Pasta
Seafood pasta isn’t just mouthwateringly good—it’s incredibly versatile. Here’s why this dish deserves a spot on your table:
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of garlic, white wine, and seafood creates a robust medley of flavors.
- Impressive Yet Quick: It’s fancy enough for dinner parties but takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Now, let's dive into the steps to create the ultimate seafood pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these key ingredients (serves 4):
For the seafood
- 12 oz mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels, and calamari work brilliantly)
- 1 lb pasta (spaghetti or linguine works best)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for added heat)
For the sauce
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup seafood or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
A seafood tip: Fresh seafood will elevate your dish, but frozen seafood works perfectly in a pinch! If using frozen, thaw and pat it dry before cooking.
How to Make Seafood Pasta
Follow these six simple steps to create restaurant-quality seafood pasta right in your kitchen.
1. Prep Your Seafood
If using fresh seafood, ensure everything is cleaned and prepped. Remove shells from shrimp (leave tails on for presentation, if desired), clean mussels, and slice calamari into rings. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente (usually about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Reserve one cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and red chili flakes (if using). Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. This step builds the foundation of your sauce.
4. Cook the Seafood
Add the seafood to the skillet. Cook shrimp, scallops, and calamari for 2-3 minutes, until they’re just opaque, and mussels until their shells open. Remove seafood from the skillet and set aside. (Don’t overcook—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.)
5. Make the Sauce
Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Allow the wine to reduce by half (about 2-3 minutes). Add the broth and heavy cream, then bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in the butter for a glossy, creamy finish.
6. Toss & Serve
Return the cooked seafood to the skillet. Add the pasta, tossing everything together to ensure every strand is coated in the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Finish with parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and extra seasoning if needed.
Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for the Perfect Seafood Pasta
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Long ppastalike linguine or spaghetti work best as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Seafood cooks quickly. Overcooking will make it rubbery, so stay attentive.
- Use Good-Quality Wine: The wine’s flavor comes through in the sauce—choose one you enjoy drinking.
- Customize to Taste: Add cherry tomatoes for sweetness, or capers for a briny twist.
Pairing Suggestions
Seafood pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is refreshing and complements the dish’s richness.
Why This Recipe's a Game-Changer
This seafood pasta embodies everything luxurious about Italian-inspired dining, but it’s easy enough for anyone to make. With a perfect balance of freshness, richness, and savory umami, it’s a meal that elevates your weeknight dinners or special occasions.
And for all you foodies—this dish is your Instagram moment in the making! Nothing beats a photo of steamy, delicious pasta nestled with glistening seafood to impress your followers.
Final Thought
Creating a memorable meal doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. With this seafood pasta recipe, you’ll craft a dish that’s both stunning and soul-satisfying. Gather your ingredients, pour a glass of wine, and get ready to enjoy a culinary adventure.
Go ahead—add this recipe to your repertoire and bring the taste of the ocean to your table tonight!
