Spaghetti with Mussels and Crispy Breadcrumbs

Recipe: Pasta with Mussels and Breadcrumbs (Pasta Cozze e Mollica)
Category: First Courses (Primi Piatti)
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mussels:
   In a large saucepan, heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add one clove of garlic and let it heat up gently, allowing the oil to infuse with the garlic flavor. Once the oil starts to sizzle slightly, add the cleaned mussels (cozze) to the pan. Cover the pan and cook until the mussels open. This should take around 5-7 minutes.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Cotechino Risotto with Lentils and Sparkling Wine
   • 
     Crock Pot Caramelized Onion Pot Roast Recipe
   • 
     Hearty Chickpea Soup with Guanciale, Bay Leaves, and Garlic Pasta
   • 
     Decadent Ruby Chocolate Tart with Fresh Berries
   • 
     Chicken in Green Herb Sauce (Pollo in Salsa Verde)
   • 
     Colorful Veggie Frittatine Bites with Prosciutto

2. Filter the Mussel Liquid:
   Remove the mussels from their shells, reserving three-quarters of them with the shells still intact for garnish. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh to remove any impurities or sand. Set the liquid aside for later.

3. Toast the Breadcrumbs:
   In another pan, heat a little extra virgin olive oil. Once heated, add the breadcrumbs (pane) and toast them over medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Set them aside once done.

4. Boil the Pasta:
   In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

5. Combine the Mussels with Garlic and Parsley:
   While the pasta is cooking, heat another drizzle of olive oil in the pan you used for the mussels. Add the remaining garlic (chopped) and parsley (chopped), allowing them to sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

6. Finish Cooking the Pasta:
   Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. Add the pasta directly to the pan with the mussel liquid, garlic, and parsley mixture. Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.

7. Add the Mussels:
   Once the pasta is coated with the flavorful liquid, add the shelled mussels to the pan. Stir to incorporate.

8. Serve the Dish:
   Plate the pasta, and top it with the toasted breadcrumbs and the reserved mussels in their shells. Sprinkle with more fresh parsley for garnish.

Enjoy your Pasta with Mussels and Breadcrumbs! It’s a simple, yet flavorful dish that brings the taste of the sea to your plate, perfectly complemented by the crispness of the breadcrumbs. Buon appetito!