The Ultimate Creamy Seafood Pasta (Better Than Restaurants!)

Impress your family or guests with this decadent seafood pasta that tastes like it came from a fine Italian restaurant! This dish combines:

🍤 Plump shrimp
🐚 Tender scallops
🦪 Juicy mussels
🍝 Al dente pasta
🧄 Creamy garlic white wine sauce

✅ Ready in 30 minutes
✅ Uses simple ingredients
✅ Perfect for date nights or special occasions

Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that will become your new favorite!

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Essential Equipment

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Deep skillet or sauté pan (for seafood)
• Tongs & slotted spoon
• Chef’s knife & cutting board
• Measuring cups/spoons

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Seafood:

• 12 oz (340g) large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 8 oz (225g) sea scallops
• 1 lb (450g) mussels (cleaned & debearded)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• Salt & black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz (340g) linguine or fettuccine
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 shallot (finely diced)
• ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Seafood

1. Pat shrimp and scallops dry (crucial for browning!)
2. Season lightly with salt & pepper

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil salted water in large pot
2. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining

Step 3: Sear the Seafood

1. Heat oil + 1 tbsp butter in skillet over medium-high
2. Sear scallops 2 minutes per side (golden crust) → remove
3. Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side → remove
4. Add mussels + ¼ cup water, cover & steam 3-5 minutes until open → discard any unopened mussels

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter
2. Sauté shallot 2 minutes, then add garlic 30 seconds
3. Pour in white wine, simmer 2 minutes
4. Stir in heavy cream, simmer 3 minutes
5. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add pasta + seafood to sauce
2. Toss with pasta water as needed
3. Finish with lemon juice, parsley & red pepper flakes

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Print

Pro Tips for Perfection

🔹 Dry seafood thoroughly → prevents steaming, ensures sear
🔹 Don’t overcrowd pan → cook seafood in batches if needed
🔹 Undercook pasta slightly → it finishes cooking in sauce
🔹 Use freshly grated Parmesan → melts better than pre-shredded

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Variations

• Tomato-Based: Add ½ cup crushed tomatoes to sauce
• Spicy Arrabbiata: Double red pepper flakes + chili oil
• Lighter Version: Substitute half cream with evaporated milk

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Serving Suggestions

🍷 Pair with: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
🥖 Side: Garlic bread or crusty baguette
🥗 Salad: Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

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Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: 2 days (sauce may thicken – loosen with milk when reheating)
• Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauces separate)

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Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

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Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
780	42g	68g	36g

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes! Thaw completely and pat VERY dry before cooking.

2. What if I don’t drink alcohol?

Substitute white wine with:
• ½ cup seafood stock + 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar (reduce to ¼ cup)

3. How do I clean mussels?

Scrub shells, pull off “beards,” and discard any that won’t close when tapped.

4. Can I make this ahead?

Prep sauce & seafood separately, then combine when ready to serve.

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Final Thoughts

This creamy seafood pasta delivers restaurant luxury at home without complicated techniques. The combination of perfectly cooked seafood, al dente pasta, and rich garlic sauce makes it worth every calorie!

Chef’s Secret: Splurge on wild-caught seafood for best flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!

Hungry for more? Try our garlic butter shrimp scampi next! 🍤