Marinara Sauce With Shellfish
A flavorful seafood marinara with shrimp and mussels, infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of red pepper, perfect for a lively Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. anchovy paste
- 1 large can (28 to 32 oz.) stewed Italian plum tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup Chianti ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano, chopped
- 4 bay leaves, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 lb. medium shrimp, steamed and peeled ⓘ
- 10 medium mussels ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute garlic in olive oil in a large skillet until it begins to turn lightly brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes, anchovy paste, Chianti wine, parsley, oregano, bay leaves, crushed red pepper, and salt; bring to a simmer.
- Continue simmering for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Steam and peel the shrimp, then set aside.
- Steam the mussels until they open, then set aside.
- Serve the sauce with the seafood.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, especially if you have access to basil or thyme. If you can't find Chianti, any dry red wine will work. For a different twist, add a splash of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the sauce. This marinara pairs beautifully with Seafood Alfredo for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, such as linguine, or enjoy it with crusty bread for dipping. It can also be a great topping for grilled fish or chicken. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or roasted vegetables. This dish complements other Italian recipes beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinara Sauce With Shellfish contains roughly 1595 calories, with 42g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (284% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (197% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2180mg per serving (95% 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 shrimp and mussels for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and mussels. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking times slightly, as frozen seafood may take a bit longer to heat through. Always check that mussels are fully open before serving.
How can I make this marinara sauce spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or include fresh chopped chili peppers. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste preference and enjoy the spicy variation!
What other seafood can I add to this marinara sauce?
Feel free to experiment with other seafood. Clams, scallops, or even chunks of white fish like cod would be excellent additions. Just ensure they are cooked until opaque and tender. This flexibility makes it one of the versatile seafood recipes you can enjoy.
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).