Cousin Carol'S Seafood Sauce
Cousin Carol's Seafood Sauce offers a flavorful, light red-pink sauce packed with fresh seafood and aromatic herbs. Perfect for seafood lovers, it pairs beautifully with spaghetti for an easy, elegant meal filled with vibrant flavors and a hint of wine and parsley.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add olive oil and minced garlic.
- Chop parsley leaves and add to the saucepan.
- Stir until parsley is limp.
- Add cleaned and de-shelled seafood to the saucepan.
- Add tomato sauce, white wine, and basil to the pan.
- Cook until the sauce is a light red-pink color.
- Reduce liquid until the seafood is just showing through the sauce.
- If using all fresh seafood, add a can of clam juice for extra flavor and reduce until the seafood is visible through the sauce.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Add the sauce to the cooked spaghetti, toss well, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice to the sauce. If you don't have clams or crab, shrimp works beautifully in this dish, or even a mix of your favorite seafood. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also be great substitutes for basil.
Serving Suggestions
This seafood sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, but you can also serve it over rice or with crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad or a side of steamed vegetables complements the dish well. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a glass of white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if necessary. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cousin Carol'S Seafood Sauce contains roughly 1006 calories, with 45g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (129% of the Daily Value), protein (90% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2077mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen seafood works well in this recipe! Just ensure it's fully thawed and patted dry before adding it to the sauce to avoid excess water. This will help maintain the sauce's consistency and flavor.
What type of white wine is best for this dish?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is ideal for this seafood sauce. It enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish. Avoid sweet wines, as they may alter the sauce's taste.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently before adding to the pasta. This makes it a great option for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).