Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of sautéed garlic mingling with fresh seafood is one of life’s simplest pleasures. As I whisk together the creamy sauce for this Seafood Pasta, I can’t help but think how easy it is to create an indulgent dish in under 30 minutes. With succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and briny mussels nestled among al dente linguine, this dish is the perfect antidote to a long day. Not only is it a delicious way to treat yourself, but it also makes for an impressive date-night dinner without the fuss of reservation hassles. Your loved ones will think you’ve brought the flavors of an Italian coast straight to your dining room. Ready to dive into a bowl of creamy goodness? Let’s get cooking! Why is this Seafood Pasta a must-try? Quick & Easy: This creamy seafood pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous date nights. Indulgent Flavors: With succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and briny mussels, each bite is bursting with rich, savory goodness that feels like a culinary treat. Versatile & Fun: Feel free to mix up your seafood selections or toss in veggies like spinach for extra nutrition. Crowd-Pleasing: It’s impressive enough for special occasions while still being a comforting dish for everyday meals—perfect for sharing! Quality in Simplicity: All it takes is skillful cooking of fresh ingredients to create an Italian feast, similar to what you’d find in high-end restaurants. Pair it with a light kale salad or check out my Deviled Egg Pasta for a delightful accompaniment! Seafood Pasta Ingredients For the Pasta • Linguine Noodles – The base of your dish; spaghetti or fettuccine can also work beautifully. For the Seafood • Shrimp – A delicious source of flavor and protein; opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. • Scallops – Adds a tender sweetness; make sure to pat them dry for optimal searing. • Mussels – Infuse the dish with a briny flavor; ensure they are fresh and scrubbed clean. For the Sauce • Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich, velvety sauce without excessive salt. • Garlic – An aromatic delight; you can use both fresh cloves or pre-minced garlic for convenience. • Heavy Cream – Essential for that creamy consistency; don’t skip this for a rich indulgence. • Dry White Wine – Adds a layer of acidity that beautifully complements the seafood; a dry Sauvignon Blanc is ideal. • Chicken Broth – Enhances the overall flavor; low-sodium broth is a healthier choice. • Lemon Zest – Brightens the dish and balances the sauce’s richness. • Grated Parmesan Cheese – Essential for a cheesy finish and a smooth sauce; whisk it in gradually. For Garnish • Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to your plate. • Lemon Wedges – Serve alongside for an extra zesty kick right before enjoying your seafood pasta. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Seafood Pasta Step 1: Boil the Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the linguine noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water to help create a luscious sauce later. Drain and set the pasta aside. Step 2: Sear the Seafood While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp and scallops with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat until the butter is bubbly. Add the shrimp and scallops, searing them for about 1.5 minutes on each side until golden and opaque. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set aside. Step 3: Sauté the Garlic In the same skillet, now infused with seafood flavor, add a tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. This step will deepen the aromatic quality of the dish, setting the stage for the creamy sauce you’ll create next. Step 4: Prepare the Sauce Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of dry white wine, and ½ cup of chicken broth into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to cook for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally, helping all the flavors meld beautifully into a rich, creamy sauce. Step 5: Cook the Mussels Next, add the scrubbed mussels to the sauce, covering the skillet with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mussels open up, indicating they are ready. Discard any unopened mussels, as they are not safe to eat. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the opened mussels to a plate, leaving the flavorful broth behind. Step 6: Combine and Thicken the Sauce Gradually whisk in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and return to the reserved pasta water, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste. The sauce should be creamy and rich, perfect for your indulgent seafood pasta. Step 7: Toss Everything Together Add the drained linguine to the sauce, using tongs to gently toss and coat each strand in the creamy goodness. Stir in the reserved shrimp, scallops, and mussels, making sure all seafood is evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Let it cook together for another minute to heat everything through. Step 8: Garnish and Serve Plate your creamy seafood pasta generously, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, allowing everyone to add a fresh squeeze of citrus just before digging in. Enjoy your delightful homemade seafood pasta! What to Serve with Creamy Seafood Pasta? The vibrant interplay of flavors and textures in this luxurious dish beckons for equally delightful companions to complete your meal. Garlic Bread: The buttery, toasted slices create a heavenly contrast to the creamy seafood pasta, perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. Kale Salad: Fresh and crisp, this salad loaded with citrus vinaigrette not only offers a refreshing palate cleanser but also complements the seafood’s richness. Roasted Asparagus: Tender and slightly charred, roasted asparagus adds a subtle earthiness that balances the flavors of the creamy sauce beautifully. White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio elevates the entire dining experience, harmonizing with the seafood while enhancing the dish’s bright lemon zest. Lemon Sorbet: End your meal on a light note with a refreshing lemon sorbet, providing a delightful contrast to the rich pasta and cleansing the palate. Fresh Bruschetta: Topped with ripe tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a fresh, zesty addition to your dinner table, enhancing the overall flavor experience. Seafood Pasta Variations & Substitutions Feel free to explore these adjustments and personalize your seafood pasta, creating a dish that’s uniquely yours! Vegetable Boost: Add spinach or mushrooms for a nutritious lift. These veggies add flavor and color, bringing your dish to life! Different Seafood: Try using lobster or calamari for a gourmet twist. A mix of seafood keeps it exciting and diversifies the flavor profile. Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes for some heat. This simple addition transforms the dish into a zesty delight without overpowering the seafood. Creamy Herbal Option: Blend in fresh basil or dill along with your sauce. These herbs provide a fresh, aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish. Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate sundried tomatoes or black olives for a burst of flavor. This addition brings a delightful Mediterranean flair to your creamy pasta. Healthier Choice: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or cashew cream for a lighter yet still creamy texture. You can enjoy the rich taste without the extra calories! Cheesy Variation: Try adding asiago or feta cheese instead of Parmesan. This switch will introduce a unique sharpness that complements the seafood beautifully. Nutty Flavor: Consider mixing in toasted pine nuts or walnuts. This gives your dish an unexpected crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts deliciously with the creamy sauce. For further inspiration, don’t forget to check out my Tomato Pasta One for a comforting option, or explore the rich flavors in Pasta Puttanesca Savory for another delightful pasta experience! Helpful Tricks for Seafood Pasta Fresh Seafood Matters: Always use fresh seafood to unleash the best flavors in your creamy seafood pasta; frozen seafood should be properly thawed. Season Generously: Don’t skip salting your pasta water; it enhances the overall flavor significantly and creates a more satisfying dish. Avoid Overcooking: For perfectly tender shrimp and scallops, cook them just until they turn opaque; overcooked seafood can become rubbery. Smooth Sauce: When incorporating Parmesan cheese into the sauce, whisk it in gradually to avoid clumps and ensure a creamy finish. Serving Temperature: Serve immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce for the best texture; this dish is beautifully creamy straight off the stovetop. Storage Tips for Seafood Pasta Fridge: Store any leftover seafood pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Reheating: When ready to enjoy more of this creamy seafood pasta, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist and prevent sticking. Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing seafood pasta, as the texture of the seafood and noodles can suffer. Instead, enjoy it fresh for the best flavor experience. Serving Again: If you’re serving leftovers, consider pairing them with a fresh side salad or crusty bread to complement the meal’s rich flavors. Make Ahead Options These creamy seafood pasta preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can cook the linguine noodles and prepare your seafood (shrimp, scallops, and mussels) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the noodles in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent them from sticking together. For the seafood, you can season and sear the shrimp and scallops, cooking the mussels just before serving to retain their tender texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, quickly whip up the sauce, toss in the prepped seafood, and combine it with the pasta, ensuring a delicious meal that tastes fresh and indulgent without the rush! Creamy Seafood Pasta Recipe FAQs What type of seafood is best for this pasta? Absolutely, fresh seafood yields the best results! For this creamy seafood pasta, I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp, tender scallops that are patted dry for a good sear, and scrubbed fresh mussels—discard any that are open before cooking. If you can’t find fresh seafood, ensure frozen options are thawed properly and are of good quality. How should I store leftover seafood pasta? Very simply! Store any leftover seafood pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to help maintain its freshness. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Can I freeze this seafood pasta? Avoid freezing this dish if possible. Freezing can alter the texture of both the seafood and the pasta, leaving them rubbery when thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh within a few days for the best experience. If you do end up freezing it, make sure to do so in an airtight container and aim to consume it within a month. How do I avoid overcooking the seafood? Great question! To ensure perfectly tender shrimp and scallops, cook them just until they turn opaque—about 1.5 minutes per side. Keep a watchful eye on the mussels too, allowing them to steam open for 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can make seafood rubbery, so it’s all about timing. Are there any dietary considerations for this seafood dish? If you’re cooking for someone with shellfish allergies, it’s best to avoid this creamy seafood pasta altogether, as it contains shrimp, scallops, and mussels. For those looking for alternatives, consider substituting with chicken or vegetables, or simply making a different sauce base, like a marinara or olive oil and garlic blend. How do I select ripe ingredients for this recipe? Selecting seafood is key! Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild scent, scallops that are slightly sweet and translucent, and mussels that are closed tight. For the pasta, ensure you’re using fresh noodles that aren’t past their expiration date. Fresh ingredients support the dish’s overall flavor! Indulge in Easy Creamy Seafood Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes No ratings yet This easy creamy seafood pasta features shrimp, scallops, and mussels, bringing the flavors of the Italian coast to your dining room in under 30 minutes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 portionsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 550 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta12 oz Linguine Noodles Spaghetti or fettuccine can also work beautifully.For the Seafood1 lb Shrimp Large, peeled, and deveined.1 lb Scallops Ensure to pat them dry for optimal searing.1 lb Mussels Fresh and scrubbed clean.For the Sauce2 tbsp Unsalted Butter1 tbsp Garlic Minced, can use fresh cloves or pre-minced.1 cup Heavy Cream Essential for that creamy consistency.1/2 cup Dry White Wine Sauvignon Blanc is ideal.1/2 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium broth is a healthier choice.1 tbsp Lemon Zest1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Whisk it in gradually.For Garnish1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Finely chopped.2 Lemon Wedges Serve alongside. Equipment large potLarge skilletTongs Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Seafood PastaBegin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the linguine noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water to help create a luscious sauce later. Drain and set the pasta aside.While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp and scallops with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat until the butter is bubbly. Add the shrimp and scallops, searing them for about 1.5 minutes on each side until golden and opaque. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set aside.In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of dry white wine, and ½ cup of chicken broth into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to cook for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened.Next, add the scrubbed mussels to the sauce, covering the skillet with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mussels open up, indicating they are ready. Discard any unopened mussels.Gradually whisk in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and return to the reserved pasta water, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste.Add the drained linguine to the sauce, using tongs to gently toss and coat each strand in the creamy goodness. Stir in the reserved shrimp, scallops, and mussels.Plate your creamy seafood pasta generously, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Nutrition Serving: 1portionCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 4mg NotesAlways use fresh seafood to unleash the best flavors in your creamy seafood pasta. Season generously and avoid overcooking. 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