Mussels Marinara Pasta Recipe
If you're craving a delicious seafood pasta with a rich marinara sauce, this Mussels Marinara Pasta recipe is the perfect combination of fresh mussels, tangy tomato sauce, and al dente pasta. It's a simple yet elegant dish that will make you feel like you're dining at a cozy seaside restaurant.
➡ Mussels Marinara Pasta
↪ Ingredients
1 lb mussels, cleaned and debearded
12 oz spaghetti or linguine
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup white wine (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
↪ Instructions
1. Start by cooking the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
2. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, white wine (if using), oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. While the sauce is simmering, prepare the mussels: In a separate pot, bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Add the cleaned mussels and cover. Steam the mussels for 3-5 minutes or until they have opened. Discard any that remain closed.
5. Add the steamed mussels to the marinara sauce and gently stir to combine.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta in the marinara and mussels. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Finish with fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
8. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on the side (if desired).
Enjoy your Mussels Marinara Pasta with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce! This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
