Old World Seafood Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A briny, coastal-inspired dish with saffron-infused broth and plump seafood, evoking the sun-soaked beaches of the film's setting. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals ready in about 55 minutes pairs linguine, shrimp, mussels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 shallots, diced into 1/4-inch cubes, and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Push the shallots and garlic to the edges of the pan. Add 1 lb shrimp, 1 lb mussels, and 1 lb squid, sliced into 1/4-inch rings. Sear for 2-3 minutes until the seafood turns opaque and the mussels open.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup white wine and 1 tsp saffron threads. Simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces by half. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
  5. Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding 1/2 cup pasta water to loosen the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until everything is coated. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Old World Seafood Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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 Old World Seafood Pasta?

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 linguine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Old World Seafood Pasta?

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 Old World Seafood Pasta 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 Old World Seafood Pasta?

Mediterranean quick meals 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