This recipe for seafood pasta combines black mussels, tender shrimp, delicate St. Jack (scallops), and succulent octopus tentacles in a harmonious dish. Each ingredient is cooked to perfection to highlight its unique flavors and textures. A Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings the ocean to your plate with every bite.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients (for four people)
- 400g spaghetti
- 200g black mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 150g St. Jack scallops (large sea scallops)
- 150g cooked octopus tentacles, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Octopus Tentacles
If using pre-cooked octopus tentacles, simply slice them into bite-sized pieces and set aside. If using raw octopus, simmer in water with a bit of salt for 40-45 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Mussels
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add half the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the cleaned mussels and pour in the white wine. Cover the skillet and let the mussels steam for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until all the mussels have opened. Discard any unopened mussels. Remove from heat and set the mussels aside, keeping them warm.
Step 4: Sear the Scallops
In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot, sear the scallops for 1-2 minutes per side until they have a golden-brown crust. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Add another tablespoon of olive oil, if needed, to the same pan used for the scallops. Lower the heat to medium, and add the remaining garlic and onion, cooking until softened. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside with the other seafood.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
Using the same pan, add the chopped tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes), red pepper flakes (if using), and the reserved pasta water. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly and create a light sauce.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked mussels, shrimp, octopus, and scallops to the pan with the sauce. Toss gently to combine, allowing the seafood to warm through. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra freshness.
Tips and Tricks
- Be sure to cook each type of seafood separately to ensure everything is cooked perfectly. Overcooking can result in tough shrimp or chewy scallops.
- You can substitute vegetable or fish stock for the reserved pasta water to enrich the sauce’s flavor.
- Searing the scallops at high heat ensures they get that beautiful golden crust on the outside while staying tender inside.
Serving Suggestions
This seafood pasta pairs beautifully with a light green salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve with a side of grilled vegetables.
Wine Pairing
- Typical Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will complement the seafood’s delicate flavors and balance the sauce’s richness.
- Bulgarian Wine Suggestion: Try a Tamyanka or a Dimyat, both light and aromatic Bulgarian white wines, which will enhance the seafood flavors without overpowering them.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
Dietary Modifications
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free spaghetti.
- For a dairy-free version, cook the pasta in water without adding butter or cream, and use all olive oil in the sauce.
- To make this dish low-carb, substitute zucchini noodles or other vegetable noodles for the pasta.
About Seafood Pasta
This seafood pasta combines the best of the ocean’s bounty, blending a medley of black mussels, shrimp, scallops, and tender octopus tentacles with perfectly cooked spaghetti. The simplicity of the olive oil and white wine sauce allows the seafood’s natural flavors to shine, while the combination of fresh herbs and tomatoes creates a light and luxurious dish. Ideal for a special occasion or a family gathering, this seafood pasta is sure to impress with its balance of flavors and textures. The different cooking times for each type of seafood are carefully managed to ensure every element is perfectly tender and flavorful.
Cultural Context
Seafood pasta is a beloved staple in many Mediterranean coastal regions, particularly in Italy, where the tradition of combining fresh seafood with pasta has deep roots. This dish draws inspiration from the classic Italian “Frutti di Mare“, or fruits of the sea, where an assortment of fresh seafood is cooked with simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.
In regions like Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, dishes like this are often enjoyed during summer when seafood is abundant, and meals are shared outdoors with family and friends. The use of wine in the sauce also reflects the Mediterranean lifestyle, where food and wine pairings are integral to mealtime. This specific recipe incorporates carefully balancing cooking times for different types of seafood, ensuring that each bite is perfectly tender and flavorful—a key principle in traditional Italian seafood dishes.
While seafood is less prominent in Bulgarian cuisine, the popularity of Mediterranean flavors has grown, especially in coastal regions along the Black Sea. As access to fresh seafood increases, dishes like this seafood pasta are becoming more common, showcasing the versatility of Mediterranean cuisine and how it can be adapted to local tastes and ingredients.
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