Seafood Pasta with Linguine, Shrimp, and Mussels: A Taste of the Ocean

Dive into the fresh flavors of the sea with this delicious Seafood Pasta featuring linguine, succulent shrimp, and tender mussels. This elegant dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and is perfect for both a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and a touch of lemon brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood, while the linguine ties everything together in a symphony of flavors. Ready to savor the taste of the ocean? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Seafood Pasta:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 lb fresh mussels (cleaned and debearded)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup vegetable or seafood broth
• 1/4 cup white grape juice
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Mussels: In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in the grape juice and vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer. Add the mussels, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels open up. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet with the mussels, along with the butter, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld together for 2 minutes.
5. Toss with Linguine: Add the cooked linguine to the seafood mixture, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

How to Prepare

The key to this seafood pasta is cooking the shrimp and mussels to perfection—shrimp should be just pink and tender, while mussels need to be cooked until they pop open. The lemon and butter bring richness and brightness to the dish, while the cherry tomatoes add a touch of sweetness. Serve it immediately to enjoy the best balance of flavors!

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: About 30 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people.

FAQs

• Can I add other seafood? Absolutely! You can add scallops, clams, or even pieces of fish for a more varied seafood experience.
• What can I use instead of white grape juice? You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a less fruity taste.
• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne would work well with this dish!