Mussels Spaghetti with Spicy Cherry Tomatoes is one of those recipes that is quick to prepare and requires just a few ingredients. But just because it’s quick and easy does not mean it lacks flavor, on the contrary, it’s a delicious meal that your family is sure to enjoy!
This recipe is a typical Southern Italian dish that is very popular in Puglia. It offers you a symphony of flavors from sweet to sour, from creamy to garlicky. This dish develops some heat from the addition of red pepper flakes, it is an aromatic dish from the garlic, the herbaceous parsley, the sweet acidity of the cherry tomatoes and the saltiness of the mussels. Follow my tips below and you will surprise your family and friends with this delicious dish!
Why you will love this dish
– This recipe will be ready in 40 minutes from start to finish. A restaurant-worthy meal in less than an hour!
– It is a great dish to serve to guests or for a romantic meal.
-Mussels pasta is one of the classic dishes that if you love Italian cooking, you need to learn how to make!
Mussels Pasta do’s and don’ts
– Rinse the mussels if you use fresh ones, if you buy vacuum ones, you can skip this step.
-Remove the beard that mussels might have, as it can contain sand. Gently remove it with a knife.
– Do not overcook your mussels, as soon as they are all open, switch off the heat and transfer the mussels to another plate until you will need them to toss the pasta. You will need to use the same pot for the tomato sauce and for final tossing: not only is more practical but it also keeps the flavor of the mussels.
– Discard those mussels that will not open: they are harmful and should not be eaten.
– Cook your pasta al dente and ADD salt to the cooking water, even if the mussels are salty by nature, the pasta always needs to be salted.
How to prepare spaghetti with mussels
Soak the mussels in water first overnight if you want to make this dish for lunch, or from the morning if you want to make this dish for dinner. Rinse them well and change the water at least a couple of times to give them a good rinse. Soaking the mussels in water is important so that the mussels lose any sand they may contain.
Place a pot of water on the stovetop and bring the water to a boil. Do not add the salt until the water is boiling.
In a saucepan, heat up some EVOO. When the oil shimmers, add 5-6 cloves of garlic and some red pepper flakes and add the mussels. Let them open up. Discard the mussels that do not open, as they are not suitable for eating. Turn the heat down to low. Remove the mussels and set them aside. Add the cherry tomatoes to the same pot and cook over high heat for a few minutes.
When the water starts to boil, add the pasta. Meanwhile, return the mussels to the pot and add half a glass of white wine. Let it evaporate. When the pasta is ready, add it to the pot, add the parsley, toss, and serve immediately.
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What to serve with Mussels Pasta
This dish is definitely great as a main meal. As appetizers, you can have some bruschetta with tomatoes, served with a Little Italian salad or you can pair them with Baked Mussels.
Which wine to pair with Mussels Spaghetti with Spicy Cherry Tomatoes
Spaghetti with mussels calls for white wine pairing, possibly lean and refreshing.
A classic choice is a Pinot Grigio from Friuli. It is a dry white wine with medium acidity fruity and lemon notes that enhance the simplicity of the spaghetti with mussels.
Other choices are Vernaccia from Tuscany, which has fruity and salty notes. It is a dry white wine, with medium acidity and its salinity pairs very well with this seafood pasta.
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound pasta
- 4 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 5 cloves garlic
- 4 pounds mussels
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 tbsp parsley chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 glass white wine dry
Instructions
- Place a pot of water on the stovetop and bring the water to boil. Add salt only when the water boils.
- In a pot, heat some EVOO, when the oil shimmers add 5 cloves of garlic, the red pepper flakes and the mussels, and let them open. Discard those mussels that are not opening as they are not suitable to eat. Turn the heat on low. Remove the mussels and keep them aside.
- In the same pot add the cherry tomatoes and cook on high heat for few minutes.
- When the water starts to boil, add the pasta. In the meantime, return the mussels to the pot and add half glass of white wine. Let it evaporate.
- When the pasta is ready, transfer it to the pot, add the parsley, toss, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
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piatto veramente eccezionale, gustoso ed invitante