Spaghetti marinara with seafood is a delicious and flavorful pasta dish that combines the natural sweetness of seafood with a rich and vibrant marinara sauce. This recipe features black mussels, medium raw prawns, calamari rings, skinless cod fillets, and canned clams, all tossed with al dente spaghetti and coated in a homemade marinara sauce. The marinara sauce, made from a combination of onions, carrots, garlic, crushed tomatoes, white wine, and a touch of sugar, provides a robust and savory base for the seafood.
The dish begins by preparing the marinara sauce, which simmers gently to develop its rich flavors. Meanwhile, the mussels are cooked in a mixture of white wine, fish stock, and garlic until they open, and the spaghetti is cooked until al dente. The seafood, including prawns, calamari, fish, and clams, is stir-fried and combined with the marinara sauce, along with the cooked mussels. The sauce and seafood are then gently combined with the cooked spaghetti, creating a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish.
Spaghetti marinara with seafood is perfect for seafood lovers and those who enjoy a taste of the ocean in their pasta. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a special addition to a seafood-focused menu. Get ready to savor the combination of tender seafood, tangy marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti in every bite.
INGREDIENTS:
- 20 black mussels
- 200g/7oz medium raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 50ml/2fl oz white wine
- 50ml/2fl oz fish stock
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 350g/12oz spaghetti
- 25g/1oz butter
- 100g/4oz calamari rings
- 100g/4oz skinless cod fillets, cubed
- 200g/7oz canned clams, drained
For the marinara sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 400g/14oz canned peeled plum tomatoes, crushed
- 125ml/4fl oz white wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
PREPARATION:
- To make the marinara sauce, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and carrot over medium heat for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Add the crushed garlic, canned tomatoes, white wine, and sugar to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Scrub the mussels with a stiff brush and remove any hairy beards. Discard any damaged mussels or those that do not close when tapped. Rinse well.
- In a large pan, heat the white wine, fish stock, and crushed garlic. Add the mussels, cover the pan, and shake it over high heat for 4-5 minutes. Remove any opened mussels after 3 minutes and set them aside. Discard any unopened mussels and reserve the cooking liquid.
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and keep warm.
- In a frying pan, melt the butter and stir-fry the calamari rings, cod fillets, and prawns in batches for 2 minutes or until just cooked through. Remove from the heat.
- Add the reserved cooking liquid, cooked mussels, calamari, fish, prawns, and drained clams to the marinara sauce. Stir gently until heated through.
- Gently combine the seafood sauce with the cooked spaghetti.
- Serve the spaghetti marinara with seafood immediately.
YIELD:
This recipe serves 6.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Ensure the mussels are cleaned and debearded before cooking.
- Use a large pan or pot to cook the mussels to allow room for them to open.
- It’s important to discard any unopened mussels as they may be unfit for consumption.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it.
- Stir-fry the seafood just until cooked to avoid overcooking and maintaining its tenderness.
- Adjust the seasoning of the marinara sauce according to your taste preferences.
- Serve the spaghetti marinara with seafood immediately to enjoy it at its best.
TIPS:
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added freshness and color.
- Customize the seafood selection based on personal preference or availability. You can add other types of seafood such as scallops or lobster.
- Serve with crusty bread to mop up the flavorful marinara sauce.
- Drizzle with a little extra olive oil or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added richness.
- Enjoy this dish with a glass of white wine to complement the flavors of the seafood and marinara sauce.
Spaghetti marinara with seafood is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together the best of both land and sea. This recipe combines black mussels, medium raw prawns, calamari rings, skinless cod fillets, and canned clams with al dente spaghetti, all enveloped in a rich and flavorful marinara sauce.
The homemade marinara sauce sets the stage for this seafood pasta dish. Simmered to perfection, the combination of onions, carrots, garlic, crushed tomatoes, white wine, and a touch of sugar creates a robust and tangy base that complements the delicate flavors of the seafood.
The mussels, cooked in a mixture of white wine, fish stock, and garlic, add a briny and savory element to the dish. Their natural juices infuse the marinara sauce, enhancing its complexity and bringing the taste of the sea to every bite.
Stir-frying the calamari, prawns, and cubed cod fillets ensures that they remain tender and succulent. Combining them with the marinara sauce, cooked mussels, and drained clams brings together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Served on a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti, this seafood marinara dish is a treat for the senses. Each forkful delivers a medley of seafood flavors, accented by the tangy and aromatic marinara sauce. The combination of the tender prawns, briny mussels, delicate calamari, and flaky cod creates a seafood lover’s dream.
Whether enjoyed as a main course or as part of a special occasion, spaghetti marinara with seafood offers a delightful culinary experience. The flavors of the sea come together with the richness of the marinara sauce, creating a dish that will impress and satisfy.
So, gather your ingredients, prepare the marinara sauce, and let the flavors of the sea shine through in this delectable spaghetti marinara with seafood. Serve it with a side of crusty bread, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a glass of white wine for an unforgettable dining experience.
