Seafood Pasta in Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce

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

Tender pasta tossed with succulent shrimp, mussels, and calamari in a rich and spicy tomato cream sauce, bringing a taste of the sea to your table. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, shrimp, peeled and deveined, mussels, cleaned for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 300 g spaghetti pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add 400 g canned crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 100 ml heavy cream and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and pink.
  6. Step 6: Add 200 g shrimp, 150 g mussels, and 150 g calamari rings to the sauce, cover, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and mussels open.
  7. Step 7: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, then toss in the drained spaghetti pasta and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, stirring gently to coat.
  8. Step 8: Serve immediately topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seafood Pasta in Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Seafood Pasta in Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seafood Pasta in Spicy Tomato Cream 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 Seafood Pasta in Spicy Tomato Cream 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 Seafood Pasta in Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce?

Italian 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.

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