This easy garlic seafood pasta is a delicious mix of shrimp and mussels tossed with spaghetti. Fresh herbs bring a bright flavor that makes each bite a treat!
I love how quick this dish comes together. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when impressing friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love seafood? 🦐🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works great for this dish. If you want a whole-grain or gluten-free option, try brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta instead. Cook according to package instructions for the best texture!
Seafood: Shrimp and mussels are my favorites because they’re quick and delicious. You can swap them for scallops or even add crab meat if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds wonderful flavor, but you can also use butter or a blended oil if you’re looking for a different taste. It gives a lovely richness to the dish!
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil add freshness. If you don’t have them, dried herbs will work in a pinch — just use a fraction of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
White Wine: Dry white wine balances the dish nicely. If you don’t have any, seafood stock or vegetable broth can be used instead. Just a splash of lemon juice can help maintain the flavor.
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but getting it just right is essential! Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the pasta and stir right away to prevent sticking.
- Check the package time and start tasting a minute or two before the suggested time to find your perfect “al dente” texture—tender but still with a bite.
- Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining; it’s great for adjusting the sauce later!
With these tips, your pasta will turn out beautifully every time!
Easy Garlic Seafood Pasta with Fresh Herbs
Ingredients:
- Pasta: 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Shrimp: 1/2 lb (225g), peeled and deveined
- Mussels: 1/2 lb (225g), cleaned and debearded
- White Wine: 1/2 cup dry (or seafood stock)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved (optional)
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Fresh Basil: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Lemon Juice: From 1/2 lemon
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for serving (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious garlic seafood pasta will take about 25 minutes to prepare, including cooking the pasta and seafood. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta, but remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This will help loosen the sauce later!
2. Sauté Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Mussels:
In the same skillet, add the mussels and the white wine. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until the mussels open up. Discard any mussels that have not opened as they may not be safe to eat.
5. Add Cherry Tomatoes:
If you’re using cherry tomatoes, throw them in the skillet now and let them cook for an additional 2 minutes until they soften.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Then, add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Season and Add Herbs:
Mix in the chopped fresh parsley, basil, and lemon juice, along with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to make sure all the flavors are mixed in.
8. Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your pasta immediately. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy the fresh, garlicky flavors of this seafood dish!
Your homemade garlic seafood pasta with fresh herbs is ready! It’s quick, delicious, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Substitute the Seafood?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of shrimp or mussels, you can use scallops, crab meat, or even canned tuna. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times to ensure everything is cooked properly.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to help heat evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Wine?
Yes, you can! If you prefer to avoid wine, simply substitute it with seafood stock or vegetable broth for added flavor. A splash of lemon juice can also enhance the freshness.
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Herbs?
If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Basil and parsley are key flavors, but feel free to get creative with others you might like!
