Mediterranean Seafood Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce
A vibrant pasta dish featuring grilled seafood, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant herbs from coastal regions. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 45 minutes blends Linguine, (peeled and deveined) Shrimp, (shucked) Mussels into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 lb Linguine
- 1/2 lb (peeled and deveined) Shrimp
- 12 (shucked) Mussels
- 2 (diced) Tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (chopped) Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup (chopped) Fresh basil
- 3 cloves (minced) Garlic
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (chopped) Parsley
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp chopped olives, sauté for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Toss in 2 cups diced tomatoes, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Step 4: Add shrimp and mussels, cooking for 3-4 minutes until seafood is opaque. Stir in 1/2 cup pasta and 1/2 cup pasta water, tossing to combine.
- Step 5: Top with Parmesan, parsley, and a final drizzle of olive oil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Seafood Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Seafood Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Seafood Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?
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 Mediterranean Seafood Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce 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 Mediterranean Seafood Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Mediterranean seafood 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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.