Ah, seafood marinara! Just hearing those words makes my heart skip a beat and transports me to sunny seaside days filled with the salty air and the gentle rhythm of ocean waves. Growing up, my family had a classic way of celebrating special occasions—whether it was a birthday, holiday, or even a well-deserved Wednesday evening—by pulling out the big pot and crafting a flavorful seafood marinara together. The kitchen would fill with the warm, inviting scent of garlic sizzling in olive oil, mixed with the subtle sweetness of tomatoes and the uniqueness of fresh seafood. There’s just something magical about this dish that wraps you up like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. And the best part? You can whip it up in no time!

Today, I’m excited to share my take on this classic dish with you! My Easy Seafood Marinara is not only simple, but it’s also bursting with flavor and sure to impress whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just indulging in a little self-love. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this love letter to the sea!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table in a flash!
• Comforting and Flavorful: The bold flavors of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh seafood make every bite delightful.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite seafood or even make it vegetarian!
• Impressive Presentation: A beautiful dish that’s sure to wow your family and friends.
• Budget-Friendly: You can use frozen seafood for a wallet-friendly twist!

Ingredients

Before we dive into cooking, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but a great way to add a kick!)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1/2 cup white wine (or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic option)
• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, or calamari—whatever floats your boat!)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling pot of seafood marinara ready in no time:

1. 1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add your linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
   2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, stirring continuously until the onion is translucent and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly at this point!

1. Add the Heat: If you’re using red pepper flakes, toss them in now. This is where you get to decide how spicy you want your marinara! Stir for about 30 seconds to allow those flavors to mingle.
2. Sauce It Up: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the white wine. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken and develop a rich flavor; it’s a beautiful sight!
3. Seafood Time: Gently add your mixed seafood to the sauce. Stir it all together and cover the skillet. Allow it to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and tender. Remember, shrimp will turn pink and clams/mussels will open up when they’re ready!
4. Combine: Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen up the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This is where you can give it a little love with fresh parsley!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are some fun twists and tips to keep this dish exciting:

• Fresh Herbs: Feel free to experiment with fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor.
• Choose Your Seafood: If you’re not a fan of shellfish, try using just shrimp or even making it vegetarian with hearty vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Skip the Wine: If you’re not a fan of cooking with alcohol, vegetable broth works wonders without sacrificing flavor.
• Add Cheese: Some folks love a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top—just make sure your seafood policy allows it!
• Make It Spicy: Love heat? Add a splash of hot sauce at the end for an added kick!

Serving Suggestions

For serving, I love to dish up my Easy Seafood Marinara in big bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side. Pair it with crusty garlic bread to soak up all that divine sauce, and perhaps a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a vibrant touch. And let’s not forget a glass of white wine or sparkling water, enhanced with a slice of lemon! It’s the ultimate cozy meal that looks fancy without a ton of effort.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare but definitely a happy surprise), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist and flavorful. Feel free to freeze leftovers too! You can store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months—just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing to preserve their goodness.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just leave out the seafood and add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a fantastic vegetarian version. You could also use chickpeas or cannellini beans for protein.

What kind of seafood is best to use?

Really, it’s all up to personal preference! Shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams are all popular choices. Just make sure everything is fresh or properly frozen for the best taste.

Can I use jarred sauce instead of making my own?

You can certainly use store-bought marinara sauce for a shortcut! Just sauté the garlic and onions in oil, then add the jarred sauce and follow the rest of the recipe from there. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Just remember that seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so plan to eat your portion within a day or two of cooking for the best flavor.

Can I add other spices or flavors to this marinara?

Absolutely! Go wild with your favorite Italian herbs, or even throw in some olives or capers for a Mediterranean flair. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate flavors of the seafood!

Conclusion

And there you have it—my Easy Seafood Marinara, perfect for cozy nights in or special gatherings! I hope you find joy in cooking this dish and that it brings a taste of the sea to your home. If you give it a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to comment below with your thoughts, tweaks, or any fond memories you have with seafood marinara! Happy cooking, friends!

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Ultimate Easy Seafood Marinara Recipe for Delicious Success!

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the secrets to quick, tasty seafood marinara that’s perfect for any occasion. Elevate your meals with this easy, flavorful dish!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices

1/2 cup white wine or vegetable broth

1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, or calamari)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add your linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, stirring continuously until the onion is translucent and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.

Add the Heat: Toss in red pepper flakes and stir for about 30 seconds.

Sauce It Up: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the white wine. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes.

Seafood Time: Gently add your mixed seafood to the sauce and cover the skillet. Allow it to cook for another 5-7 minutes.

Combine: Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet, toss together, and season with salt and black pepper.

Notes

A quick and easy recipe for flavorful seafood marinara that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 55 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: seafood marinara, easy seafood recipe, Italian pasta dish, quick dinner