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Mixed Seafood Pasta

Mixed Seafood Pasta is a dish that brings the ocean to your plate, combining scallops, juicy shrimp, and briny mussels and clams in a rich, spicy tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.

 

Main image for Mixed Seafood Pasta recipe

 

This is one of my favorite seafood recipes. It has a perfect seafood blend in a light cream sauce that perfectly complements the seafood.

It has a variety of seafood ingredients that give every single bite real ocean flavor. The combination of shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams gives great depth of flavor.

And, despite its indulgent taste, this seafood linguine recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare and can be ready in under an hour.

You can customize this dish with your favorite pasta and adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

And this Seafood Pasta is a visually stunning dish, making it perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties.

Whether you need a perfect recipe for seafood pasta or are just looking for ways to shake up your favorite seafood pasta dish, this recipe is the perfect combination of flavors for anyone who loves seafood.

 

All ingredients laid out on counter ready to assemble.

 

What is Mixed Seafood Pasta?

Mixed Seafood Pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines a variety of seafood, such as scallops, shrimp, mussels, and clams, with a rich tomato-based sauce and pasta.

This dish is a celebration of the sea and offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.

 

Onions and garlic cooked in a skillet.

 

What Ingredients are in Mixed Seafood Pasta?

  • Olive Oil: Used to sauté the seafood and vegetables, adding richness and depth to the dish.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and a mild flavor to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic base for the sauce of the scallop shrimp pasta.
  • Sea Scallops: Offer a tender, buttery texture.
  • Fresh Shrimp: Adds a juicy, sweet element to the spicy seafood pasta.
  • Mussels: Contribute a briny, oceanic flavor to the Cajun seafood pasta.
  • Clams: Bring a similar briny flavor, complementing the mussels.
  • Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce: Provides a spicy, tomato-based foundation for the dish.
  • Clam Juice: Enhances the seafood flavor in the sauce.
  • Half and Half: Adds creaminess to the sauce, balancing the spice.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color to the best seafood pasta recipe.
  • Fresh Basil: Provides a fragrant, herbaceous note to the linguine seafood pasta.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Add heat to the seafood and pasta dish.
  • Pasta: The base of the dish, perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Pro Tip: Pat the scallops dry before cooking to achieve a perfect sear.

 

pasta sauce added to onions.

 

How to Make Mixed Seafood Pasta:

  1. Prepare your pasta in a large pot according to the package directions for al dente.
  2. Sauté the scallops in a large skillet in olive oil until golden brown, then set aside.
  3. Repeat the process with the shrimp, then set aside.
  4. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in the same skillet over medium heat until translucent.
  5. Add the Arrabbiata sauce and clam juice, bring to a slow boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  6. Temper and add the half and half, followed by the clams and mussels.
  7. Stir in the scallops, shrimp, fresh chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes. Serve the seafood mixture in a large bowl over pasta and garnish with basil.

Pro Tips:

  • Be sure the pasta cooks while preparing the seafood so that everything is ready to serve at the same time.
  • Always use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen seafood, thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

 

clams added to pasta sauce mixture.

 

What Seafood is in Mixed Seafood Pasta?

Mixed Seafood Pasta typically includes sea scallops, shrimp, mussels, and clams.

These ingredients are chosen for their complementary flavors and textures, creating a dish that is both rich and diverse.

Each type of seafood brings its own unique taste, from the tender sweetness of scallops to the briny richness of mussels and clams. It adds depth of flavor to the pasta with seafood.

How Long Does Mixed Seafood Pasta Last?

Mixed Seafood Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.

After that, the seafood may lose its texture, and the pasta can become soggy.

 

mussels added to pasta sauce

 

How to Store Leftover Mixed Seafood Pasta:

To store leftover mixed seafood pasta, place the pasta and seafood in separate airtight containers.

This will prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.

Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat gently to avoid overcooking the seafood.

Can You Freeze Mixed Seafood Pasta?

No, you should not freeze this Mixed Seafood Pasta recipe, as the seafood can become tough and lose its texture once thawed.

If you must freeze it, do so in an airtight container for up to one month, but be aware that the quality may be compromised.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

 

scallops and shrimp added to pasta sauce

 

What to Serve with Mixed Seafood Pasta:

Mixed Seafood Pasta pairs well with light side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Try some of these recipes with this classic seafood pasta:

 

parsley added to seafood pasta

 

How to Reheat Mixed Seafood Pasta:

To reheat Mixed Seafood Pasta, place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or clam juice to the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Stir gently and heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the seafood.

You can also reheat it in the microwave, but use a lower power setting to avoid drying out the seafood.

 

top looking down at seafood pasta in a bowl ready to serve

 

Additional Seafood Recipes You’ll Love…

Whether you are looking for an easy seafood pasta recipe that is also a delicious meal, you will love this Mixed Seafood Pasta.

From easy weeknight dinners to fancier special occasions, this mix of shrimp, mussels, clams, and scallops is one of my favorite seafood dishes.

 

seafood pasta layered up on a serving plate

Mixed Seafood Pasta

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Mixed Seafood Pasta combines scallops, shrimp, mussels, and clams in a rich sauce over pasta, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Instructions

  1. Boil water for your pasta.
  2. Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in skillet. Sauté scallops for 1-2 minutes each side, until browned. Remove from pan and set aside, keeping warm (cover bowl with aluminum foil to preserve heat).
  3. Repeat the process with another Tablespoon of olive oil and the shrimp, again cooking for 1-2 minutes each side. Add to bowl with scallops and keep warm.
  4. Add the final Tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, and sauté the onions and garlic until onions are translucent. If adding red pepper flakes for a kick, add them now.
  5. Add your favorite pasta sauce and clam juice and bring to a slow boil, then bring heat down to a simmer.
  6. Add pasta to your boiling water and cook according to package directions.
  7. Take 1/2 cup of half and half and temper with some of the pasta sauce. Add half and half and pasta sauce mixture back to skillet. This allows it to mix it nicely, and not separate.
  8. Add clams; cook for about 4 minutes.
  9. Add mussels; cook for 3 more minutes.
  10. Stir in scallops, shrimp and parsley.
  11. Top pasta with seafood and sauce, sprinkle the julienned basil on top and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 571Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 192mgSodium: 2223mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 65g
Originally Posted: June 1, 2016

Photos & Text Updated: February 9, 2025

This Seafood Pasta recipe is easy, but elegant...perfect for a special occasion! It tastes like a dish from a fancy Italian restaurant -- your guests will be impressed!

 

Sharing is caring!

Elsa

Monday 27th of February 2017

Hi, I am so excited to try this pasta, but I would like to know what is half and half?

Michelle Nahom

Monday 27th of February 2017

Half and half is a blend of whole milk and light cream. You should be able to find it in the dairy section at your grocery store. Enjoy!

Debra C.

Thursday 16th of June 2016

Beautiful pictures, gorgeous pasta and what a lovely meal! Stopped by to do some sharing and since I'm doing a Seafood Extravaganza....this is a feature! :D

FrugalHausfrau

Wednesday 15th of June 2016

Swanky & simple! A perfect combo of flavors! Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday!

Mollie

Lauren @ Hall Nesting

Monday 6th of June 2016

Seafood and pasta - two of my favorite things! Now I just need a nice glass of wine

Helen Fern

Monday 6th of June 2016

This looks really delicious! thanks for sharing on the What's for Dinner link up!

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