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Speedy Mussels with Pasta

Speedy Mussels with Pasta


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

Speedy Mussels with Pasta is a quick and flavorful seafood dish that combines tender mussels sautéed with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti or linguine. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers an elegant yet comforting meal ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinners. With simple pantry ingredients and customizable options like spice levels and herb varieties, this dish delivers a gourmet experience without the fuss.


Ingredients

Scale

Mussels and Seafood

  • 1 lb fresh mussels, scrubbed and cleaned

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine

Sauce and Flavorings

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prep and Clean Mussels: Scrub the mussels under cold running water, discarding any open shells that do not close when tapped to ensure freshness and safety.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned. Add cherry tomatoes and stir occasionally until they soften and release their juices.
  4. Add Mussels and White Wine: Add the cleaned mussels to the pan and pour in white wine. Cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, shaking occasionally until all mussels have opened.
  5. Toss Pasta and Finish: Discard any unopened mussels. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with mussels and tomatoes. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and drizzle with additional olive oil. Serve immediately for a vibrant and inviting meal.

Notes

  • Always use fresh mussels with closed shells to ensure quality and safety.
  • Remove mussels from heat as soon as they open to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and add moisture without diluting flavors.
  • Covering the pan helps mussels open evenly and infuses the dish with wine aroma.
  • Add lemon juice gradually to balance acidity without overpowering the seafood.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing and boiling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: mussels pasta, quick seafood pasta, garlic mussels, spaghetti with mussels, speedy mussels recipe, weeknight seafood, easy mussels dinner