Tender shrimp, sweet scallops, juicy mussels, and briny clams all swimming in rich, garlicky cream sauce wrapped around perfectly al dente pasta. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself on a weeknight, this seafood pasta recipe delivers massive flavor in about 30 minutes. Forget restaurant pricetags. Gourmet comfort is served right at home.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You Should Try This Seafood Pasta Recipe
1. Quick and Easy
Ready in 30 minutes, this seafood pasta is perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests. Simple ingredients come together in a delicious dish without hours of prep.
2. Gourmet at Home
No need to dine out! This restaurant-quality dish feels fancy but is easy to make with affordable ingredients, bringing luxury to your kitchen.
3. Customizable
Swap seafood for chicken or vegetables to suit your tastes. You can easily tweak the recipe for different dietary preferences or what’s available.
4. Versatile for Any Occasion
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration. Its rich flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser for any event.
5. Healthy & Flavorful
Packed with protein-rich seafood, this dish is filling and satisfying without being too heavy. You can also lighten it up by adjusting the sauce.
Ingredients List
This seafood pasta is as simple as it is decadent. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb (450g) scallops, fresh or thawed if frozen
- 1/2 lb (225g) mussels, cleaned and de-shelled
- 1/2 lb (225g) clams, cleaned and de-shelled
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine (preferably dry)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.
2. Sear the Seafood
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the mussels and clams open. Remove the seafood and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
4. Prepare the Cream Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer until it thickens, about 3 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine the Pasta and Seafood
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Gently fold the seafood back into the pasta.
6. Finish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately, and enjoy your gourmet seafood pasta!
Tips & Variations for Perfect Seafood Pasta
- Mix Up the Seafood: Not all seafood lovers have the same taste! Swap out mussels or clams for lobster tail or crab meat for an extra touch of luxury. If you’re not a fan of seafood, chicken or vegetarian protein (like tofu) works wonderfully too!
- Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing. It gives a nice kick without overpowering the dish. If you love extra flavor, add a dash of fresh lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar at the end to brighten it up.
- Make It a One-Pot Wonder: To save time on clean-up, cook the seafood and pasta in the same pot! After cooking the pasta, simply toss it into the pan with the seafood and sauce to combine all the flavors in one delicious dish.
- Lighter Option: If you’re looking to lighten the recipe, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even coconut milk for a slightly different taste and texture. You can also use zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta for a healthier alternative.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread makes for the perfect accompaniment to seafood pasta. The buttery, garlicky bread soaks up the rich sauce beautifully.
- Pair with a Salad: For a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta, pair it with a light Greek salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette. The tangy flavors will balance the richness of the dish.
- Pair with Wine: Serve this dish with a glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you’re feeling adventurous, a Chardonnay will complement the creamy sauce nicely.
Try this seafood boil sauce for a rich, tangy kick to your pasta!
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Pro Tip: Adjust the calorie count by opting for lower-fat cream alternatives or using fewer pasta portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen seafood works great. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking for the best texture. For seafood like shrimp, mussels, or clams, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
2. How do I know when the seafood is perfectly cooked?
Overcooking seafood can make it rubbery, so watch closely. Shrimp should turn pink and opaque, while scallops should feel firm and slightly golden. Mussels and clams are done when they open up. If they remain closed, discard them.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! For the best results, store the pasta and seafood separately in the fridge to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the sauce. When ready to serve, simply reheat the seafood and combine it with the pasta and sauce.
4. What other herbs can I use?
If you don’t have fresh parsley, basil, thyme, or oregano can add a nice herbal flavor to this dish. Fresh herbs work best to preserve that bright flavor.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Seafood Pasta
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the seafood in batches. Overcrowding the pan can result in uneven cooking and steaming rather than searing.
- Use Fresh Pasta: If you can find fresh pasta, it’s worth the extra effort. It holds the sauce better and provides a softer texture compared to dried pasta.
- Save Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a magic ingredient. Adding a little of it to the sauce helps thicken it and allows the sauce to cling to the pasta better.
Try This Seafood Pasta Recipe Today!
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Looking for more seafood cooking tips? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Seafood Cooking for all the essential techniques and recipes!
Best Seafood Pasta Recipe : Creamy, Easy, and Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 lb scallops
- 1/2 lb mussels cleaned and de-shelled
- 1/2 lb clams cleaned and de-shelled
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams) until shrimp turns pink and mussels and clams open. Remove seafood and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add white wine and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce simmer and thicken for about 3 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Gently fold in the seafood.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon zest before serving.