Best-of-the-Sea Cioppino
A rich, tomato-based seafood stew featuring the freshest catch, simmered in a fragrant broth with white wine and herbs. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs whole tomatoes, clams, mussels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups, diced whole tomatoes
- 1 lb, cleaned clams
- 1 lb, debearded mussels
- 8 oz scallops
- 1 cup white wine
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Add wine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Add clams, mussels, and scallops. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until shells open — discard any unopened shells.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and serve immediately with crusty bread for soaking up the broth.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best-of-the-Sea Cioppino take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Best-of-the-Sea Cioppino?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best-of-the-Sea Cioppino?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Best-of-the-Sea Cioppino for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Best-of-the-Sea Cioppino?
Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
