Mussels With Linguini
A flavorful seafood pasta dish featuring tender mussels in a rich tomato and red wine sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 qt. mussels in shell ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 onions ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb. 13 oz.) cans Italian tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 cups red wine ⓘ
- 2 pounds linguini ⓘ
- 2 lemons ⓘ
Instructions
- Sort, scrub, and rinse the mussels thoroughly.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sliced onions; sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Stir in mashed Italian tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper, black pepper, dried basil, and salt.
- Pour in red wine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Cook the sauce uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook linguini in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Add cooked linguini to the sauce and toss to combine.
- Add mussels to the pot, cover, and steam until mussels open, about 5-7 minutes.
- Discard any mussels that do not open.
- Serve hot, garnished with thinly sliced lemon.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the dish. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of red pepper. You can substitute the mussels with clams or shrimp for variation. Make sure to check that the mussels are fresh by ensuring they are closed before cooking. For a quicker version, use pre-cooked linguini and heat it with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mussels with linguini hot, garnished with thinly sliced lemon for a fresh touch. A light green salad pairs nicely as a side, complementing the richness of the dish. For a Mediterranean twist, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. This dish also pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the mussels and affect the texture of the linguini.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mussels With Linguini contains roughly 1977 calories, with 31g protein, 223g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (411% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1273mg per serving (55% 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 mussels for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen mussels. Just ensure they are fully thawed and cleaned before cooking. Frozen mussels can be a convenient option, but fresh mussels will provide a better texture and flavor.
What if I can't find fresh linguini?
If fresh linguini is unavailable, you can use dried linguini or any pasta type you prefer. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, ensuring you cook it until al dente for the best texture.
How do I know if the mussels are bad?
Before cooking, check mussels for any that are open or have broken shells. If they do not close when tapped, discard them. It's crucial to only cook fresh mussels to ensure food safety and quality.
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).