Imagine a plate that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy, where the sea meets culinary passion! This Spicy Pasta with Mussels isn't just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with Mediterranean excitement. With tender mussels nestled in a vibrant, red-hot tomato sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure that will have your guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 1kg mussels, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 400g canned diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Clean the mussels under cold running water, scrubbing the shells to remove any debris. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor into the oil.
- Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, along with their juices, and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the sauce has simmered, add the cleaned mussels to the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
- After the mussels are cooked, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water if needed to help coat the spaghetti.
- Once well combined, remove the skillet from heat and taste. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve the pasta mussels immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips
- Mussel Freshness is Key: Always buy fresh mussels and check them carefully. Discard any that are already open or don't close when tapped—this ensures food safety and optimal taste.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti just until al dente. The reserved pasta water is a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your noodles.
- Garlic Management: Sauté garlic quickly and at medium heat to prevent burning, which can make it bitter. The goal is fragrant, golden garlic that enhances the sauce's flavor.
- Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference. Start with less—you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Timing is Everything: Add mussels last and cook just until they open. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 886kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
