
Welcome, Lykkers! Let’s talk about a fresh and satisfying way to enjoy the sea at your table. Seafood pasta is a true celebration of flavor and creativity. It brings together high-quality pasta, fresh seafood, and aromatic herbs in combinations that are both simple and refined.
These dishes are perfect for warm days, offering vibrant taste, quick preparation, and a light yet fulfilling feel. Discover how to mix shapes, ingredients, and textures with these delicious recipes made for everyone who loves coastal flavors.
Why Choose Seafood Pasta?
Seafood pasta brings out the essence of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Combining seafood with seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of quality olive oil creates an easy yet well-rounded dish. With fast cooking times and naturally flavorful ingredients, these meals are ideal for those looking to prepare something special without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re also low in heaviness and full of valuable nutrients.
Tips for Perfect Seafood Pasta
1. Choose fresh seafood: Visit your local fish vendor and select the freshest shellfish or fish available.
2. Mind the seasoning: Many seafood options, especially shellfish, are naturally savory. Use salt sparingly and add it at the end, if needed.
3. Pick the right pasta: Firm and shaped pasta (like paccheri or fusilli) holds sauces well. Fresh pasta works best with gentle flavors such as shrimp or scallops.
4. Use herbs wisely: Try basil, parsley, mint, or marjoram to bring brightness and depth.
5. Red or white? It depends on the seafood. Some enjoy tomato-based sauces, while others prefer lighter olive oil and herb dressings.
Now, let’s dive into some irresistible recipes!
Spaghetti with Clams, Olives, and Celery
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1.5 kg fresh clams
- 320 g spaghetti
- 2 celery stalks
- 80 g Taggiasca olives
- 50 g pine nuts
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- A few fresh marjoram leaves
- Black pepper to taste
Steps:
1. Soak the clams in salted water for 2 hours. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Finely chop the celery. In a large pan, cook celery, pine nuts, olives, marjoram, and 4 tbsp oil over low heat for 5 minutes.
3. In another pan, add a drizzle of oil and the clams. Cover and let them open. Save the liquid and remove the clams with a slotted spoon.
4. Add the clams to the celery and olive mix, pour in the filtered clam liquid, and simmer briefly.
5. Cook the spaghetti in lightly salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with the clam mixture.
6. Finish with pepper, fresh marjoram, and serve hot.
Cellentani with Grilled White Fish and Zucchini Cream
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 320 g cellentani pasta
- 300 g skinless white fish fillets (such as sea bream or snapper)
- 4 zucchinis
- 1 garlic clove
- 6 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 8 basil leaves
- Salt to taste
- Chopped parsley to garnish
Steps:
1. Dice the fish into chunks, season with 1 tbsp oil and a pinch of salt.
2. Dice zucchinis. In a pan, sauté garlic with 3 tbsp oil and 4 basil leaves for 2 minutes.
3. Add zucchini, season lightly, cover, and cook on low heat for 20 minutes. Remove garlic.
4. Blend zucchinis with the remaining basil and 1 tbsp raw oil into a smooth cream.
5. Grill the fish pieces for 1 minute per side.
6. Cook the pasta, drain, and toss with the zucchini cream and fish.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Maltagliati with Shrimp and Pistachio Pesto
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 400 g fresh egg maltagliati pasta
- 300 g shrimp tails, peeled and cleaned
- 80 g shelled pistachios
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 small bunch of parsley
- 6 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fennel fronds to finish
Steps:
1. Blend pistachios, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1 pinch of salt, and pepper into a pesto. Add 2 tbsp oil while blending.
2. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp oil and garlic. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes. Remove garlic.
3. Cook the maltagliati in salted water until al dente.
4. Mix the pesto with 2–3 tbsp of cooking water and 2 tbsp raw oil.
5. Drain the pasta, combine with the pesto and shrimp.
6. Finish with chopped fennel fronds, a touch of pepper, and serve.
Enjoy the Sea on Your Plate
These seafood pasta recipes are more than meals—they’re an invitation to celebrate coastal flavors in a simple, colorful, and joyful way. With a few quality ingredients and minimal cooking time, they can turn an ordinary day into a delicious dining experience. Try different seafood varieties and pasta shapes to make every meal a little seaside adventure.