Seafood Marinara Pasta

Name: Seafood Marinara Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Fettuccine pasta (12 ounces); Calamari (8 ounces); Prawns (8 ounces); Mussels (8 ounces); Vongole (clams) (8 ounces); Tomatoes (canned or fresh) (28 ounces); Garlic (4 cloves, minced); Olive oil (3 tablespoons); Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon); Parsley (fresh, chopped for garnish); Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 3 November 2025

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Seafood Marinara Pasta

Seafood Marinara Pasta is a delightful dish that tantalizes the taste buds while offering a rich blend of flavors from the sea. This recipe captures the essence of coastal Mediterranean cuisine, bringing together a medley of fresh seafood with a robust marinara sauce. It’s perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or any night you want to indulge in something elevated yet comforting.

The dish features a variety of seafood, including prawns, mussels, calamari, and clams, all swimming in a luscious marinara sauce. The combination of these ingredients not only makes for a visually stunning plate but also adds layers of flavor that are irresistible. Whether served with fettuccine or your favorite pasta, there’s something undeniably satisfying about this hearty dish.

By preparing this at home, you can impress your guests with a restaurant-quality meal while enjoying the process of cooking. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps that will guide you through creating this seafood lover’s dream dish.

Ingredients

Fettuccine pasta (12 ounces)
The base of this dish, fettuccine, offers a flat surface that holds onto the sauce beautifully, allowing each bite to burst with flavor. It provides a hearty texture that complements the tender seafood.

Calamari (8 ounces)
Calamari brings a delightful chewiness and a mild flavor that absorbs the marinara sauce wonderfully. Cooking it just right yields a tender component that balances the other seafood.

Prawns (8 ounces)
Juicy and sweet, prawns enhance the dish with their succulent meat. They cook quickly and add a touch of elegance, making the dish feel so much more special.
Mussels (8 ounces)
Mussels add both texture and an oceanic essence to the dish. When cooked, their shells open up to reveal tender meat, enriching the sauce further.
Vongole (clams) (8 ounces)
Clams bring a briny flavor that perfectly complements the seafood medley, adding depth to the sauce. Their unique taste and texture provide another layer of complexity.

Tomatoes (canned or fresh) (28 ounces)
Tomatoes serve as the foundation of the marinara sauce, giving it body and a rich flavor. Whether you choose canned or fresh, they provide a perfect balance to the seafood.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience. Sautéing it until fragrant sets the stage for the other ingredients.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
Olive oil not only serves as a cooking medium but also adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish. It helps in creating a beautiful sauce that clings to the seafood and pasta.

Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon)
These add a subtle heat to the dish, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Parsley (fresh, chopped for garnish)
Fresh parsley not only beautifies the dish but also contributes a refreshing element that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper elevate all the other flavors, ensuring the dish is perfectly balanced.

Seafood Marinara Pasta

Directions & Preparation

Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial; it should have a slight firmness to it, which will allow it to absorb some of the marinara sauce without becoming mushy. Drain it well to prevent any excess water from diluting the flavors.
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Sautéing garlic in olive oil releases its aromatic compounds, creating a robust base for your sauce. Monitor closely to avoid burning; burnt garlic can turn bitter, ruining the dish’s flavor.
Add the calamari, prawns, mussels, and vongole to the pan and cook until they start to open up.
Introducing the seafood at this stage allows it to absorb the garlicky flavor of the oil while cooking gently. The mussels and clams will signal when they’re ready by opening their shells, ensuring they’re perfectly cooked.

Pour in the tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Adding tomatoes at this point transforms the dish into a rich marinara sauce. Allowing it to simmer not only develops the flavors but also cooks the seafood through, ensuring everything is harmoniously melded together.
Toss in the cooked fettuccine and mix well to combine.
Combining the pasta with the sauce ensures every strand is coated with flavor. This step is essential for creating that beloved bite of seafood and pasta all in one mouthful.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a fresh taste that contrasts beautifully with the rich marinara sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

The Freshness Factor

A key to an exceptional Seafood Marinara Pasta is selecting fresh seafood. Fresh mussels, clams, and prawns will not only enhance the flavor but also ensure a better texture. If possible, visit a local seafood market on the day you plan to cook. Look for shells that are tightly closed and flesh that looks vibrant; these are indicators of freshness.

The Sauce that Makes It Shine

Homemade marinara sauce elevates the experience of your seafood medley. The blend of tomatoes, garlic, and spices creates a rich and robust foundation that complements each type of seafood. If using canned tomatoes, consider crushing them by hand to retain some texture, which will make for a more interesting sauce.

Pairing the Right Wine

When serving Seafood Marinara Pasta, consider a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the dish without overpowering its flavors. A light-bodied red like Chianti can also work, enhancing the tomato sauce while respecting the seafood. Remember to serve your selected wine chilled for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen seafood can be a great alternative. Just ensure to thaw it properly and pat it dry before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

What type of tomatoes should I use?
Both canned and fresh tomatoes work well. Canned San Marzano tomatoes are particularly favored for their sweetness and richness.

How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the heat, you can increase or decrease the red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can add fresh minced chili peppers for a milder, yet fresh spice.

What if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce ends up too thick, simply add a splash of pasta cooking water, white wine, or stock, and stir until you reach the desired consistency.

Can this dish be made with just one type of seafood?
Absolutely! You can use any combination of seafood you prefer or have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of seafood you choose.

Can I scale this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Ensure that your cooking pan is large enough to accommodate the increased ingredients while keeping the cooking times consistent.

Is it okay to add vegetables to this pasta?
Certainly! Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can be great additions for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

Seafood Marinara Pasta is a dish that invites you to revel in the joyful flavors of the ocean. Whether shared at a dinner party or enjoyed during a cozy family meal, it brings warmth and celebration to any table. The diversity of seafood combined with the aromatic marinara sauce creates a memorable dining experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

So, don your apron and gather your ingredients. The symphony of flavors waiting for you in this Seafood Marinara Pasta is just a few steps away. Enjoy the process, relish the aroma, and most importantly, savor every delicious bite!

Seafood Marinara Pasta

Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Seafood Marinara Pasta

Ingredients

Directions & Preparation

The Freshness Factor

The Sauce that Makes It Shine

Pairing the Right Wine

FAQs

Conclusion