Spicy Mussels Pasta with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Pasta with Spicy Mussels

Description:

Dive into a delightful feast with this Pasta with Spicy Mussels recipe, perfect for gathering around a table with friends or family. This dish balances a light yet flavorful broth with tender mussels and pasta, making it both budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Opting for extra virgin olive oil over butter adds a subtle, healthy touch without compromising on taste. Be prepared to serve generously, as this recipe yields a hearty amount and is sure to impress. If you’re worried about overflowing bowls, consider serving the pasta in individual portions, topped with mussels and broth for a more elegant presentation.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs mussels (cleaned and debearded)
• 1 lemon (juiced, plus squeezed halves)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 lb pasta (your choice of shape)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 shallots (minced)
• 5 cloves garlic (sliced thinly)
• 1/2 – 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups diced tomatoes with juice (canned)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (torn into pieces)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used to cook your pasta later on.

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2. Clean the Mussels: If you choose to clean your mussels, rinse them under cold water, scrubbing the shells to remove any grit. Remove the beards by pulling them off firmly.

3. Soak the Mussels: Fill a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the water and toss in the lemon halves along with the salt. Submerge the mussels in this mixture and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process helps the mussels expel any sand or impurities from inside their shells. After 30 minutes, drain the mussels and give them a quick rinse under cold running water.

4. Prepare the Broth: While the mussels are soaking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm up. Add the minced shallots to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become translucent.

5. Add Garlic and Spice: Stir in the sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for an additional minute, being careful not to let the garlic brown too much.

6. Incorporate the Liquids: Gradually pour in the fish stock. If you’re using white wine, add it first, let it come to a boil, then add the fish stock. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Add the diced tomatoes along with their juice and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.

7. Cook the Mussels: Once the sauce is boiling, add the cleaned mussels to the skillet. Give them a quick toss to coat them with the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mussels steam for about 3-5 minutes, or until they have all opened up.

8. Cook the Pasta: While the mussels are steaming, drop the pasta into the boiling salted water. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your desired level of doneness.

9. Finish the Mussels: When all the mussels have opened, turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and let the residual heat wilt the basil. Keep the skillet covered to maintain warmth while you drain the pasta.

10. Serve the Dish: If your pasta-serving bowl is large enough, you can combine the pasta directly with the mussels and broth. If not, consider portioning the dish into individual servings. Start by ladling some of the cooking broth into the bottom of each serving bowl. Add a portion of the cooked pasta, followed by a generous amount of mussels and broth. For a well-balanced presentation, you might want to serve the remaining pasta and mussels separately.

11. Enjoy: Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this satisfying pasta dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 704.9
• Fat: 12.1 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.1 g
• Cholesterol: 43.2 mg
• Sodium: 1746.2 mg
• Carbohydrates: 110.3 g
• Fiber: 6.6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Protein: 37.6 g

Tips:

• For a smoother broth, you can strain the tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth if desired.

Embrace the light yet rich flavors of this Pasta with Spicy Mussels, a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every flavorful bite with friends and family! 🍝🦪🍋