This Seafood Pasta is an impressive yet simple dish packed with shrimp, scallops, clams, and mussels tossed in a flavorful homemade tomato sauce with spaghetti. It’s perfect for entertaining guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, offering a delightful balance of fresh seafood flavors and rich tomato goodness.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• ½ cup onion, finely chopped

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 28-ounce can San Marzano whole tomatoes, pureed

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 12 ounces spaghetti (or other long pasta)

• ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ pound sea scallops

• ½ pound clams, scrubbed

• ½ pound mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded

• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Make the Sauce:
   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook 1 more minute.
   Add the pureed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the butter and remove from heat.

2. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain, reserving ¾ cup of pasta cooking water.

3. Cook the Seafood:
   Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Season scallops with salt and pepper, sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned and opaque, then remove from the pan.
   Season the shrimp, add to the pan, and cook 3–4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp.
   Add clams, mussels, and reserved pasta water to the pan. Cover and steam for 4–6 minutes until the shells open (discard any unopened).

4. Combine and Serve:
   Return the shrimp and scallops to the pan along with the tomato sauce and cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Nutrients

(Per serving)

• Calories: 561 kcal

• Protein: 38g

• Fat: 17g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 64g

  • Fiber: 7g

  • Sugar: 12g

• Sodium: 716mg

• Cholesterol: 182mg

• Potassium: 1066mg

• Vitamin A: 840 IU

• Vitamin C: 27.5mg

• Calcium: 192mg

• Iron: 6.6mg

Why You’ll Love Seafood Pasta

The magic of Seafood Pasta lies in its perfect harmony of land and sea. First, the medley of seafood offers a variety of textures and flavors, from tender shrimp to juicy scallops and the briny pop of shellfish. Each seafood component shines while complementing the others, creating a complex yet balanced bite every time.

The homemade tomato sauce brings everything together beautifully. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, onions, a touch of crushed red pepper, and finished with a swirl of butter, it’s rich without being heavy and has just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweetness of the seafood.

Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. Whether you serve it as a casual weekend dinner or a centerpiece for a dinner party, Seafood Pasta fits the mood. It’s elegant enough to feel special yet relaxed enough for a cozy night in.

And perhaps the best part is how manageable the process is. While it looks and tastes like a labor of love, the preparation is straightforward, and much of it can be done in stages—making it a practical option for busy cooks who still want to create something unforgettable.

Health Benefits of Seafood Pasta

Beyond its luxurious taste, Seafood Pasta also offers significant nutritional benefits. Seafood is among the best natural sources of lean protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and a host of vitamins and minerals.

Shrimp and scallops provide excellent amounts of Vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc, supporting immune function, energy production, and overall cellular health. They are also low in saturated fat, making them heart-healthy choices for regular consumption.

Clams and mussels are nutritional powerhouses, packed with iron, Vitamin C, potassium, and Vitamin B12. They are especially beneficial for maintaining healthy blood oxygen levels, boosting immune defense, and supporting nerve health.

The homemade tomato sauce, rich in lycopene, adds potent antioxidants that can support heart health and protect against certain chronic diseases. The onions and garlic not only flavor the sauce but also offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Even the pasta contributes important carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestive health, especially when cooked al dente, which can aid in blood sugar control.

Altogether, Seafood Pasta is a balanced, nourishing meal that feels indulgent while delivering key nutrients your body needs.

Customizing Your Seafood Pasta

One of the beauties of Seafood Pasta is how easily you can adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand. The core of the dish is the combination of seafood and pasta tied together by a vibrant sauce, but there is plenty of room for creativity.

If you prefer, you can swap the shrimp or scallops for other seafood options like lobster chunks, calamari rings, or even chunks of white fish like cod or halibut. If you’re a fan of spicy food, adding a little extra crushed red pepper or a few spoonfuls of Calabrian chili paste can add a delightful kick.

The pasta can be changed too. While spaghetti is a classic choice, linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini would work equally well, each bringing a slightly different texture and experience.

For a different twist, you can add a splash of white wine to the tomato sauce, introducing a bit more depth and richness. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added alongside or instead of parsley for a slightly different herbal note.

And if you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the butter finish or replace it with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to maintain richness without the extra dairy.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Seafood Pasta is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Planning a romantic dinner for two? This dish sets the perfect mood, offering indulgence and elegance with minimal effort. Hosting a dinner party? Seafood Pasta makes a stunning centerpiece, with its colorful presentation and captivating aroma.

It’s equally wonderful for treating yourself to a luxurious solo dinner or for family gatherings where you want to make something memorable. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, warm crusty bread, and a chilled glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, and you have a complete meal that feels like a celebration.

Because it’s so flavorful yet light, it’s perfect year-round—refreshing enough for warm summer evenings and hearty enough for cozy winter dinners.

Tips for Making the Best Seafood Pasta

Use the freshest seafood you can find. Freshness makes a massive difference in flavor and texture, so visit a trusted fishmonger if possible. If using frozen seafood, thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture.

Do not overcook the seafood. Shrimp and scallops cook very quickly and should be removed from the heat as soon as they turn opaque. Overcooking can lead to rubbery, dry seafood.

Cook pasta al dente. Firm pasta holds up better when tossed with the sauce and seafood and prevents the dish from becoming overly heavy.

Reserve pasta water before draining. The starchy pasta water is key for loosening the sauce and helping it cling beautifully to the noodles.

Season every layer. Lightly seasoning the onions, the tomato sauce, and the seafood ensures a well-rounded, flavorful dish without relying too heavily on salt at the end.

Toss everything together gently. Once the seafood and pasta are combined, toss carefully to avoid breaking apart delicate scallops or tearing the mussels from their shells.

Nutritional Value Overview

Each serving of Seafood Pasta provides approximately 561 calories, making it a hearty yet balanced meal. It delivers around 38 grams of high-quality protein to support muscle health and overall wellness. The fat content is about 17 grams, including healthy unsaturated fats from olive oil and butter.

Carbohydrate content sits around 64 grams per serving, providing ample energy, while the fiber content at 7 grams supports healthy digestion. The dish is rich in potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium, and iron, promoting cardiovascular health, immune support, and strong bones.

The sodium content is moderate at 716 milligrams per serving, primarily from the seafood and added seasonings, which is well within a reasonable range for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Seafood Pasta offers everything you could want in a meal: bold flavor, nourishing ingredients, simple preparation, and a luxurious presentation. It’s a dish that feels like a gift, whether you are preparing it for yourself, a loved one, or a group of friends.

With its perfect balance of tender seafood, silky tomato sauce, and hearty pasta, Seafood Pasta turns everyday ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience. Whether for special occasions or just when you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious, this seafood pasta delivers elegance, comfort, and incredible taste every single time.

Take one bite, and you’ll understand why Seafood Pasta remains a beloved classic — timeless, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible.