If you are craving a seafood pasta that bursts with fresh flavors, the Simple Mixed Seafood Tomato Marinara Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines tender scallops, juicy shrimp, briny mussels, and sweet clams with a vibrant marinara sauce that clings perfectly to al dente linguine, creating a harmonious symphony of taste, texture, and color. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers remarkable depth, making every bite feel like a seaside escape. Whether you’re cooking for two or welcoming guests, this pasta will brighten your table and your mood alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, lending taste, texture, and visual appeal without any fuss. They are simple staples, yet combined they transform into a luscious seafood pasta that’s as delightful to eat as it is easy to prepare.
- 4 ounces linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the sauce perfectly; linguine works exceptionally well here.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: This is your cooking base, enriching the seafood and adding richness without overpowering.
- 8 scallops, thawed: Look for fresh or frozen ones that are plump and moist for best flavor and texture.
- 8 shrimp, thawed and deveined: These add sweet, juicy bites that complement the scallops beautifully.
- 1.5 cups marinara pasta sauce: A good-quality sauce is essential; it’s the heart of the dish that brings acidity and sweetness.
- 8 mussels, cleaned and beards removed: These add brininess and depth, plus a lovely shellfish texture.
- 8 clams, cleaned: Similar to mussels, clams contribute a fresh ocean flavor and pleasant chewiness.
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped: Brightens and freshens the dish while adding inviting green color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Instruments to balance and enhance every flavor in the dish perfectly.
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes: For those who like a gentle kick of heat.
- Optional: juice of 1/2 a lemon: Adds a zesty brightness to lift the seafood and sauce.
- Optional: freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano: A nutty finish that elevates the pasta with rich umami.
How to Make Simple Mixed Seafood Tomato Marinara Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your linguine or spaghetti until it’s al dente according to the package instructions, so it has the perfect bite. Then drain the pasta and set it aside. This ensures your noodles stay firm enough to hold the sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops to Perfection
Warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Place the scallops carefully in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a golden crust. This quick sear locks in their tender sweetness and adds a slight caramelized flavor. Remove scallops gently and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp with Care
In the same pan, adding more olive oil if needed, cook your shrimp for about 1 minute on each side until they turn a lovely pink. Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them to avoid rubbery texture. Once done, add the shrimp to the plate with the scallops.
Step 4: Simmer Mussels and Clams in Marinara
Pour the marinara sauce into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the cleaned mussels and clams to the sauce and cover the pan. Let them cook for around 5 minutes or until all shells have opened, signaling they are perfectly cooked and infused with the sauce’s fragrant flavors. Discard any unopened shells to ensure safety and quality.
Step 5: Combine Seafood, Sauce, and Pasta
Turn off the heat and return the cooked scallops and shrimp to the pan. Add the drained pasta along with the finely chopped parsley. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich, seafood-infused marinara sauce and the herbs are distributed beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate your creation hot and fresh. For an extra dimension of flavor, squeeze over half a lemon’s juice, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like spice. Each garnish complements the dish and brings out its nuanced flavors wonderfully. Dig in and savor!
How to Serve Simple Mixed Seafood Tomato Marinara Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and lemon juice are classic garnishes that add a bright contrast to the luscious marinade. A dusting of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese will heighten the umami notes and create a velvety finish, while a pinch of red pepper flakes can perk up the palate without overwhelming the delicate seafood.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple to let the pasta shine—crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette are ideal. They provide just enough crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the tomato seafood sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this meal family-style in a deep serving bowl invites conversation and sharing. For a more elegant touch, plate individual servings twirled into nests with a whole shrimp or scallop arranged on top. A sprinkle of extra parsley or microgreens adds a restaurant-quality finish that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Simple Mixed Seafood Tomato Marinara Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days without losing much flavor or texture, making it perfect for enjoying the next day.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because seafood textures can become rubbery, and pasta may become mushy. However, if necessary, freeze the pasta and sauce separately but avoid freezing cooked seafood itself. This helps maintain the quality when reheating later.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the dish in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and prevent drying. Microwave reheating works too but do so in short intervals to avoid overcooking the seafood.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti works best because they hold sauce well, you can substitute with fettuccine, bucatini, or even penne if preferred. The key is choosing pasta that can catch the rich marinara and bits of seafood.
Is it necessary to clean mussels and clams before cooking?
Yes, cleaning is important to remove any sand, grit, or beards attached to the shells. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and scrub if needed to ensure your dish stays clean and pleasant to eat.
How do I know when the mussels and clams are cooked properly?
The shells should open fully when cooked. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Any mussel or clam that remains closed after cooking should be discarded, as it may be unsafe to eat.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes to add a subtle kick. You can increase the amount or add fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce to suit your heat preference.
What if I don’t have Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese?
If you don’t have Parmigiano-Reggiano, you can substitute with other hard grating cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. Each will bring its own unique flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Simple Mixed Seafood Tomato Marinara Pasta Recipe is an absolute joy, especially when sharing the results with someone special. It strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance, showcasing fresh seafood with a comforting, vibrant tomato sauce. I encourage you to try this recipe soon. It’s quick to prepare yet delivers a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds and sharing in your love for good food.
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Simple Mixed Seafood Tomato Marinara Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Simple Mixed Seafood Tomato Marinara Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish featuring linguine tossed with a savory marinara sauce, succulent scallops, shrimp, mussels, and clams. Perfectly balanced with fresh parsley and optional touches of lemon juice, parmesan, and red pepper flakes, this pasta recipe brings the flavors of the sea to your dinner table in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Approx. 4 ounces linguine or spaghetti (56 grams; enough for 2 people)
Seafood
- 8 scallops, thawed (if frozen)
- 8 shrimp, thawed and deveined
- 8 mussels, cleaned and beards removed
- 8 clams, cleaned
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 cups marinara pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Optional: freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sear the scallops. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add scallops and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until opaque and nicely seared. Remove scallops from the pan and place them on a clean plate.
- Cook the shrimp. In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then cook the shrimp for about 1 minute on each side until pink and just cooked through. Add the shrimp to the plate with the scallops.
- Simmer the sauce with shellfish. Pour the marinara sauce into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the cleaned mussels and clams, then cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, or until all the shells have opened. Discard any mussels or clams that remain closed.
- Combine seafood and pasta. Remove the pan from heat, then add the cooked shrimp and scallops back into the sauce. Stir in the cooked pasta and finely chopped parsley, mixing well to coat everything evenly.
- Serve the pasta. Plate the pasta and garnish with optional ingredients such as a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Serve immediately and enjoy while hot.
Notes
- Make sure the mussels and clams are properly cleaned and de-bearded before cooking to avoid grit and enhance taste.
- If scallops or shrimp overcook, they can become tough; watch the timing carefully.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- Lemon juice and parmesan cheese add brightness and richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Use fresh parsley for best flavor; dried parsley will not provide the same fresh taste.
