Pasta With Mussels in Tomato Sauce

Pasta With Mussels in Tomato Sauce

Semolina linguine is a traditional and wonderful pasta to use. But you can make the dish with whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta; both are getting better and better. Look for a flat noodle like tagliatelle, fettuccine or linguine. If you use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta, make sure not to overcook it. My rule of thumb is to check for doneness a minute before the suggested cooking time on the package; noodles should be cooked al dente.

Ingredients

  • 1 can chopped or whole tomatoes

    14.5 ounces

  • 3 fat garlic cloves; 1 crushed

    2 minced

  • 1 shallot

    chopped

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 pounds mussels

    rinsed, scrubbed and beards removed

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or marjoram

    or both

  • Pinch sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 3/4 pound linguine or other pasta
  • 1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

Directions

  1. 1

    Pulse tomatoes with juices in food processor just a few times to break down into a coarse purée; set aside. Bring large pot of water to boil for pasta.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, in a wide skillet or saucepan with lid, combine crushed garlic clove and shallot with white wine. Bring to a boil and add mussels. Cover and cook, shaking pan from time to time, 2 to 4 minutes, or until mussels open up. Check mussels after 2 minutes; transfer open mussels to a bowl using tongs. Cover pan again, wait another minute, and repeat until all mussels have opened.

  3. 3

    Leave mussels to cool in bowl until easily removed from shells. Remove half from shells and leave other half intact. Taste a mussel; if it is sandy, give them all a very quick rinse and drain in a colander. Transfer to a bowl and keep covered while you make tomato sauce.

  4. 4

    Place a strainer over another bowl, line with cheesecloth and strain the liquid in the pan into bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup. Rinse and dry pan.

  5. 5

    Heat olive oil over medium heat in pan and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add tomatoes, thyme or marjoram (or both), and sugar.

  6. 6

    Turn heat up to medium-high and cook, stirring often, 5 to 10 minutes, until tomatoes have cooked down slightly. Add 1/2 cup broth from mussels, stir together and bring to a simmer. Taste and add salt as needed (you may not need to add any). Tip all mussels, shelled and unshelled, into sauce, cover and turn heat to very low or remove from heat if not serving right away. Keep warm while you cook pasta.

  7. 7

    Warm a large bowl for the pasta. When water for pasta comes to a rolling boil, salt generously and add pasta. Cook al dente, following the directions on the package. Drain and toss in the warm bowl with tomato sauce, mussels and parsley. Serve right away.

Pasta With Mussels in Tomato Sauce

Pasta With Mussels in Tomato Sauce

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About this Recipe

Imagine a truly satisfying plate of pasta, where plump, tender mussels mingle with a vibrant, rich tomato sauce. This Pasta With Mussels in Tomato Sauce recipe brings that comforting, restaurant-quality experience right into your home kitchen, using straightforward ingredients for incredible flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this dish lies in its harmonious balance: the fresh, briny mussels are perfectly complemented by a robust tomato sauce. Aromatic garlic (both crushed and minced) and finely chopped shallots lay a deeply flavorful foundation. Dry white wine adds a bright acidity that lifts the entire dish, while a pinch of red pepper flakes introduces a gentle warmth. Fresh thyme or marjoram infuse the sauce with herbaceous notes, creating a truly inviting aroma.

What to Expect

Prepare for a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. You'll savor the tender, succulent texture of perfectly cooked mussels, bathed in a savory tomato sauce that has just the right amount of acidity, balanced by a hint of sugar. The sauce, clinging beautifully to al dente pasta, offers a delightful interplay of briny and herbaceous flavors. It's a dish that feels both elegant and approachable, delivering warmth and comfort with every bite.

Customization & Variations

While semolina linguine is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other flat pasta varieties like tagliatelle or fettuccine. If you're opting for whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta, remember a key tip: check for doneness about a minute before the package's suggested cooking time. This helps ensure your noodles reach that perfect al dente texture, preventing them from becoming overcooked.

Serving & Context

This exquisite Pasta With Mussels in Tomato Sauce is ideal for a cozy dinner at home or for impressing guests without extensive effort. Finish your plates with a generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped flat-leaf parsley for a pop of color and an additional layer of fresh flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions