Pasta With Mussels in Tomato Sauce

5 from 1 vote

Our recipe for Pasta With Mussels in Tomato Sauce is a tantalizing combination of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword Italian Pasta, Mussels, Pasta With Mussels

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings people

Calories 224kcal

Equipment

1 skillet

Ingredients

1 large
Tomato chopped (I used our canned San Marzano)  
3 cloves Garlic minced
½ Onion chopped
2 tbsp Unsalted butter
2 tbsp Red wine
1/4 cup Water
1 lb
Mussels, rinsed, scrubbed and beard removed  
3 tbsp
Extra virgin olive oil 
1 tsp
Thyme  
1 tsp Oregano
¼ tsp Sugar
Linguine pasta cooked to instructions 
Salt and pepper to taste 
1 tbsp
Chopped parsley

Instructions

Clean and prepare the mussels: Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing off any debris or seaweed. Remove the beards by pulling them towards the hinge of the shell. Discard any mussels that remain open or have cracked shells.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water.
Prepare the sauce: In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for a minute until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the mussels: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cleaned mussels to the skillet. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels open. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking.
Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and mussels. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Serve and enjoy: Divide the pasta with mussels in tomato sauce among plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. Pair it with a crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.

Notes

Tips for Perfecting the Flavors

To ensure that your pasta with mussels in tomato sauce is a success, here are some tips to help you perfect the flavors:

Use high-quality ingredients: Since this dish relies on simple flavors, using the best quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final result. Opt for fresh mussels, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant herbs.
Don't overcook the mussels: Overcooking the mussels can result in tough and rubbery texture. Cook them just until they open, and discard any that remain closed after cooking.
Season the sauce well: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Remember that the mussels will release some of their brininess into the sauce, so be mindful of the salt content.
Add a splash of white wine: For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the tomatoes. The acidity of the wine will balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Experiment with herbs and spices: While basil and red pepper flakes are traditional choices for pasta with mussels in tomato sauce, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. Oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of saffron can add a unique twist to the dish.

Nutrition