This Spicy Seafood Pasta is a treat for your taste buds! It pairs shrimp and mussels with a rich, creamy tomato butter sauce that gives a lovely kick. Perfect for seafood lovers!
I can’t get enough of this dish! The sauce is so delicious that I end up cleaning the plate with some bread. Plus, it’s easy to whip up for a cozy dinner at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I prefer using spaghetti for its perfect twirl with the sauce, but linguine is also a great choice. If you want a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are ideal for this recipe, but frozen shrimp are just fine too! If seafood isn’t your thing, you can substitute with chicken breast or sautéed vegetables.
Mussels: Fresh mussels add a great flavor, but if they’re hard to find, just double the shrimp. For a vegetarian option, replace the seafood with more hearty veggies like mushrooms or artichokes.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just know the flavor will shift a little!
How Can You Get Those Flavors Just Right?
The key to a flavorful sauce starts with sautéing the garlic and onion properly. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant—this builds the base of your dish.
- Use medium heat and don’t rush; let the onions become translucent without browning.
- When adding the shrimp and mussels, ensure they cook just until they turn pink and the mussels open—overcooking can toughen seafood.
- Pour the white wine to deglaze the pan; it enhances the dish by lifting any bits stuck to the bottom.
Finally, remember to taste as you go! Add salt, pepper, and chili flakes a little at a time until you’re happy with the level of heat and flavor.
Spicy Seafood Pasta in Creamy Tomato Butter Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 300g spaghetti or linguine pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 150g mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta but be sure to save some of the pasta water, just in case you need to adjust the sauce later!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and red chili flakes. Cook while stirring for about 3-4 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add the Seafood:
Now it’s time to add the shrimp and mussels to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and the mussels begin to open. Don’t forget to discard any mussels that do not open after cooking, as they are not safe to eat.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet now. Let it reduce for about 2 minutes. This will enhance the flavors and help lift any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
5. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, letting all the lovely flavors meld together.
6. Add Butter & Cream:
Now, lower the heat and add the butter, stirring until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Let the sauce gently simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Season & Combine:
Taste the sauce and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to lighten it up. Finally, toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, mixing well to coat every strand.
8. Plate & Serve:
Serve your delicious spicy seafood pasta hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and add some lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick!
Enjoy your flavorful and spicy seafood pasta in creamy tomato butter sauce!
FAQ for Spicy Seafood Pasta in Creamy Tomato Butter Sauce
Can I Use Different Seafood in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the shrimp and mussels with other seafood like scallops, calamari, or your favorite fish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the seafood you choose to ensure they’re cooked perfectly!
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you want to tone down the heat, you can reduce the amount of red chili flakes or omit them altogether. You can also add a bit of cream or additional ingredients like sautéed bell peppers to balance the spice!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently and then add the cooked pasta and seafood when you’re ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent it from drying out. Add a splash of cream or water if needed to refresh the sauce.
