italian seafood marinara pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best italian seafood marinara pasta recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes: Italian Seafood Marinara Pasta. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. I first discovered this recipe on a trip to Italy, where I fell in love with the rich flavors and aromas of the Mediterranean coast.

Since then, I’ve tweaked it to make it my own, and now I’m thrilled to share it with you. My kids adore helping me cook this recipe, and we always have so much fun together in the kitchen. They love the way the pasta sauce simmers on the stovetop, filling our kitchen with that irresistible aroma that says ‘dinner is ready.’

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special treat for the weekend. The best part? It’s incredibly healthy, thanks to the abundance of fresh seafood and vegetables.

My kids are picky eaters, but they devour this dish without complaint. And as a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly it comes together – even on the most chaotic days. So grab your apron and let’s get started!

The technique behind this recipe is all about balance: you want to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more. By using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to the cooking process, you’ll end up with a dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. The combination of tender pasta, succulent seafood, and rich marinara sauce will transport your taste buds straight to the Tuscan countryside.

Italian Seafood Marinara Pasta

4.5 from 1977 votes

A hearty pasta dish featuring a rich marinara sauce loaded with an assortment of seafood. This comforting meal is perfect for seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz spaghetti

For the Marinara Sauce

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Seafood

1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, calamari), cleaned
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup white wine

For Garnish

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4Toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
5While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
7Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
8Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
9In a separate pan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
10Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
11Add the mixed seafood and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through and the shrimp turn pink and mussels open.
12Add 1/4 cup white wine and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the liquid has reduced slightly.
13Add the cooked seafood and any remaining liquid to the marinara sauce.
14Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
15If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
16Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the marinara and seafood.
17Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
18Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes over low heat.
19Transfer the pasta to serving plates.
20Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
21Serve immediately and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 70g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use any combination of seafood you prefer. Ensure that all seafood is cleaned and prepared properly before cooking. If using mussels, discard any that do not open after cooking.

This Italian Seafood Marinara Pasta recipe has become a staple in our household – we love it for its ease of preparation and incredible flavor. One tip for making this recipe work for family gatherings is to scale up the ingredients accordingly.

You can also consider setting up a build-your-own station with all the fixings – let everyone add their own seafood and cheese as desired. When reheating leftovers, be sure to add some extra olive oil to prevent drying out – otherwise, this dish holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days or freezes well for months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Seafood Marinara Pasta

Q1: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of pasta you like best – spaghetti, linguine, or even pappardelle work well.

Q2: Can I substitute different types of seafood?

Of course! Feel free to mix and match your favorite seafood options – just be sure not to overload the dish.

Q3: How do I prevent the seafood from overcooking?

Just be sure to add it towards the end of cooking time so it doesn’t get overcooked.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is best made fresh, but you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time if needed.

Q5: What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes? Can I use canned tomatoes instead?

You can use canned tomatoes in a pinch – just be aware that they might lack some of the depth of flavor found in fresh tomatoes.

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