This delicious, hearty seafood pasta dish combines fresh mussels, clams, and shrimp. The pasta is cooked al dente and finished with a light white wine and garlic sauce, making it ideal for seafood lovers.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients (Serves Four People)
- 400g spaghetti (or 80g dry pasta for each person)
- 500g fresh mussels, cleaned
- 300g fresh clams, cleaned
- 200g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Seafood
- Pour the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Cover the mussels and clams to the pan with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the shells open. Discard any shells that remain closed.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cooked spaghetti in the pan. Mix everything gently, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce’s flavors. If the sauce seems too dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Final Touches
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.
Tips and Tricks
- Always clean mussels and clams thoroughly before cooking to avoid any grit.
- For a richer flavor, add a knob of butter to the pan after the seafood is cooked.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. They only need a few minutes to turn pink and opaque.
- If you want a slightly creamier sauce, add a heavy cream splash toward the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the pasta with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful seafood sauce.
- Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Wine Pairing
- Chardonnay: A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the seafood, complementing the light, garlicky sauce without overwhelming the dish.
- Bulgarian Wines: Try a Bulgarian Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the delicate seafood flavors.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 500mg
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free, but ensure any side dishes or additional garnishes meet this requirement.
About Spaghetti with Mussels, Clams, and Shrimp
This seafood pasta celebrates the fresh and delicate flavors of the sea, bringing together tender mussels, clams, and shrimp. Originating from Mediterranean coastal regions, this dish is often prepared in Italian cuisine, where fresh seafood is a staple. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the freshness of the seafood to truly shine, with a light white wine and garlic sauce tying it all together. Adding al dente pasta makes this dish hearty and satisfying while maintaining a fresh, light feel.
Cultural Context
Seafood has long been a central part of Mediterranean and coastal cuisine, where the availability of fresh fish and shellfish influences daily cooking. Mussels, clams, and shrimp are particularly beloved for their natural brine flavor, which pairs wonderfully with pasta in this dish. In Italy, this pasta dish is typically enjoyed during special family gatherings or as a celebratory meal, where simplicity and freshness are key. The minimal use of ingredients, focusing on garlic, wine, and herbs, reflects the Mediterranean way of cooking, where the natural flavors of high-quality seafood take center stage. In Bulgaria, seafood pasta dishes like this are becoming increasingly popular in coastal areas and fine dining restaurants, where fresh ingredients are cherished and celebrated.
