Seafood Spaghetti Sauce
Seafood Spaghetti Sauce offers a flavorful and hearty blend of tender shrimp, fragrant herbs, and rich tomato base, making it perfect for seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike. Its bold yet balanced flavors suit casual family dinners or special occasions with a comforting, Italian-inspired touch.
Ingredients
- 2 (14 1/4 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried crushed oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried crushed basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 pound peeled shrimp ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine undrained stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped onion, dried crushed oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme in a pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add peeled shrimp and chopped green pepper to the sauce.
- Cook uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the shrimp are no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, sauté the onion and green pepper in olive oil before adding them to the sauce. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper. For a heartier option, consider adding a variety of seafood, or substitute shrimp with scallops or crab for a different taste. This seafood spaghetti sauce also pairs nicely with Italian recipes featuring creamy fettuccine with smoked salmon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this seafood spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad can complement the meal beautifully. For a refreshing dessert, consider pairing it with Italian ice cream to round out the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover seafood spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 172 calories, with 15g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 468mg per serving (20% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You'll need about 3-4 cups of diced fresh tomatoes. Blanch them first to remove the skins, then simmer them down until they reach a sauce-like consistency before adding other ingredients.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While spaghetti is traditional, other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work well with this sauce. Choose a pasta shape that can hold onto the sauce for the best flavor experience.
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 3 days. Just reheat it gently before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep 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).