Delicious Mussels Pasta Recipe with a White Wine Twist
Are you looking for a new pasta recipe that’s both satisfying and easy to make? Look no further than this delicious mussels with white wine and pasta recipe. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers who want to take their dinner game to the next level.
The combination of tender mussels, fresh parsley, and a buttery white wine sauce will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Even better, it’s simple enough to make any night of the week.
As a bonus, this recipe also includes variations for substitutions and serving suggestions so you can cater it to your individual tastes. Trust me; once you try this pasta recipe, it will become a staple at your dinner table. So, let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fellow foodies, have you ever heard of a dish that seamlessly blends seafood, pasta, and the tantalizing flavors of wine? Look no further than Mussels with White Wine and Pasta!
This recipe is perfect for seafood enthusiasts who love the distinct taste of mussels. Combining the innate saltiness of mussels with the subtle sourness of white wine makes for an intriguing flavor that even newcomers can appreciate.
But why stop at just mussels and white wine? The mix of pasta, garlic butter, shallots, and heavy cream creates a savory balance that coats your palate as you eat. The linguine pasta in particular has a signature chewy consistency that pairs perfectly with mussels to create a dish that’s indulgent and hearty all at once.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility when it comes to serving and pairing. If you’re looking to make a one-dish meal or serve it with garlic bread, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your appetite. Or if you’re looking for a full-on feast, it can be served as an appetizer alongside other delightful seafood courses.
In conclusion, Mussels with White Wine and Pasta is the perfect choice for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike. The combination of bold flavors and textures can satisfy even the most discerning palates. What are you waiting for? Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Mussels with White Wine and Pasta Recipe:
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs. mussels, scrubbed and rinsed
- 1 lb. linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 3/4 cup dry white wine
- 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 bay leaves
For the sauce
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup crème fraîche
- 1/2 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
Optional ingredients
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- Mussel meat (if you prefer not to use whole mussels)
- Frozen mussels or clams (if fresh are not available)
- Shrimp (for a seafood pasta)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
Make sure you have all the above ingredients on hand before starting to prepare this amazing recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! This recipe is relatively easy and perfect for a date night or when you want to impress your guests with an elegant and mouth-watering dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Mussels
Start by cleaning and debearding the mussels. Scrub them under running water and remove any debris or sand. Then soak them in cold water for about 20 minutes to let them expel any sand.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a pot of boiling salted water, cook penne pasta as directed on the package until al dente.
Step 3: Make the Wine Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter. Add finely diced shallot and minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant. Then, add white wine and simmer until reduced by half. Next, add heavy cream, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Steam the Mussels
Once the sauce is ready, add cleaned mussels to the skillet. Cover with a lid and let them steam for about 5-7 minutes or until the mussels open up.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Discard any mussels that didn’t open up. Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Finally, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.
Serve hot with crusty bread on the side to soak up all that delicious wine sauce.
Bon Appétit!
Substitutions and Variations
Ah, the beauty of cooking! There’s always room for creativity and experimentation. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try with this fabulous recipe:
– Mixed seafood pasta: If you don’t have mussels or want to add more variety to your dish, try adding shrimp, clams, or any other seafood of your choice. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– Creamy tomato sauce: If you’re a fan of tomato-based sauces, you can swap the white wine sauce for a creamy tomato sauce. Just add some canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter mixture.
– Gluten-free option: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free penne or linguine pasta instead.
– Vegan option: To make this dish vegan-friendly, replace butter and heavy cream with vegan alternatives. You can use vegan butter or coconut oil and coconut cream or cashew milk instead of heavy cream.
– Hair pasta: Instead of penne or linguine pasta, try using angel hair or capellini pasta for a lighter touch.
– Creamy mussels: Make your mussels even creamier by adding crème fraîche to the white wine sauce.
The possibilities are endless with this recipe, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this delectable combination of mussels, pasta, and white wine sauce, you have a few options. Firstly, it’s important to note that this dish is quite rich, so I recommend serving it in moderate portions alongside a light, fresh salad or some crusty bread. You could also serve the pasta and mussels as a side dish to grilled or roasted fish.
Now, let’s talk about pairing with beverages. The obvious choice for pairing would be a crisp, dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – preferably the same varietal used in the recipe. That being said, you could also pair it with a light-bodied red wine like Chianti or Beaujolais.
If you prefer something non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime, or perhaps a tangy lemonade for contrast.
One unique option is to pair this dish with an IPA beer – the hoppy flavors balance well with the richness of the mussels.
Whatever your beverage of choice may be, one thing is for sure: this pasta dish will leave your taste buds singing with joy.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you are planning to make this mussels with white wine and pasta recipe for a family gathering or dinner party, then you can prepare the dish ahead of time. You can cook the mussels and prepare the white wine sauce separately. Once done, store them in separate containers and keep them in the fridge.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the white wine sauce on low heat on your stove, stir in the cooked mussels and let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions and then toss it together with the mussels and white wine sauce.
If you have leftovers of this delicious dish, it’s easy to store them. Simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Don’t forget to consume them before they spoil.
To reheat leftovers, simply transfer the desired amount into a saucepan or microwave-safe container and reheat gently. You can add a splash of heavy cream if you want to revive the creamy mussel sauce that may thicken up once refrigerated.
This makes-ahead and reheating method not only saves time but will also help intensify the flavor even more. Enjoy this tasty seafood pasta recipe anytime without any fuss!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing steamed mussels with pasta is an excellent choice for seafood lovers to add a tasty, rich and exquisite dish to their menu. Here are some tips that I want to share with you to achieve the best possible results when cooking this recipe.
First, always use fresh ingredients, especially the mussels. Make sure they are tightly closed and not damaged before cooking as this can affect their flavor and appearance. You can also ask your fishmonger to check them for you or buy frozen mussels or clams.
Secondly, al dente pasta is crucial for this recipe. Always follow the instructions on the package about cooking times, but be sure to stop a minute or two earlier than what’s recommended since the pasta will continue to cook in the sauce.
Thirdly, using a dry white wine is fundamental during the preparation of the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a pinch of sugar to your sauce before pouring it over your mussels.
Fourthly, when steaming the mussels, avoid overcooking them; otherwise they will shrink in size and become rubbery. They should only steam for 5-6 minutes over high heat until they open up.
Fifthly, do not discard any unused water in which the mussels were steamed – this liquid is full of flavor and essential for enhancing the taste of your pasta sauce.
Lastly, don’t forget that heavy cream or Creme Fraiche are great options if you prefer a creamier texture on your pasta. Just add a tablespoon at a time and stir well; this will help balance out any acidity that may be present in your white wine sauce.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to produce an unforgettable meal that everyone will love!
FAQ
Now that you have learned how to make this delicious Mussels with White Wine and Pasta dish, it’s natural to have a few questions in mind. Cooking with mussels can be intimidating, especially if you’re not used to handling seafood, but don’t worry, I’m here to answer some common questions that may come up! In this section, I’ll provide answers to frequently asked questions to help you create a perfect plate of pasta every time.
What wine goes with mussels and pasta?
When it comes to enjoying mussels with a delicious glass of wine, there are a few options to consider. One classic choice is a Pinot Grigio or any other dry Italian white wine. The light and crisp nature of the wine pairs well with the garlic and breadcrumb toppings that are often found with baked mussels. However, for those who prefer a little more fruitiness in their wine, an unoaked Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc like Sauvignon de Touraine can be a great alternative. These fruity whites bring a touch of sweetness that blends perfectly with the rest of the flavors in the dish.
How to eat pasta with mussels?
When enjoying a seafood pasta dish with mussels, I suggest using your fork to get a portion of the noodles and then devour the mussel in a single bite. Sometimes, the mussels are served separately from the pasta and broth, which may prompt the use of a rinse bowl for cleaning your fingers. It’s appropriate to use your fingers for eating in this scenario.
What to serve with mussels in white wine?
As a sommelier, part of my job is to suggest dishes that pair well with different types of wine. Some examples of dishes that I often recommend include: crusty bread, crispy French fries, fragrant saffron rice, savory garlic bread, sweet potato fries, flavorful garlic Parmesan potato wedges, toasted baguette, and tangy tomato sauce. These foods are not only delicious on their own, but they also have the potential to enhance the flavors of certain wines when paired correctly.
What wine is best for steaming mussels?
If you’re planning to steam a batch of mussels and want their flavor to take the spotlight, I recommend pairing them with crisp white wines that have a touch of salinity to them. French Muscadet and Chablis, which is Chardonnay with a distinct taste of oyster shells, are excellent choices that can add a zingy touch to the dish.
Bottom Line
Looking for something hearty and comforting to tuck into? Look no further than this fabulous recipe for Mussels with White Wine and Pasta! Whether you’re in the mood for an easy Italian pasta dish, a seafood pasta dinner or a creamy mussel and mushroom combo, this recipe has got you covered.
No matter what your tastes, you’ll love the combination of tender, steaming mussels, fragrant garlic and herbs, and a buttery white wine sauce. With the addition of heavy cream and fresh parsley, this dish is indulgent and satisfying, without being too heavy. And the best part is, it’s so easy to make!
So what are you waiting for? Give this delicious recipe a try today and discover just how easy it is to create restaurant-quality seafood dishes at home. Whether you’re cooking for one or entertaining a crowd, this recipe is sure to please – so get started now!
Mussels With White Wine and Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 11 ounces penne
- 2 1/2 lbs mussels
- 2 garlic cloves
- 4 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, leaves
- 7 ounces unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Scrub the mussels. Peel and finely chop the garlic. Finely chop the parsley.
- Heat half the butter with the oil, then add the garlic and mussels.
- Pour in the wine, season, cover and cook over a high heat until the mussels open.
- Drain the mussels, keeping the cooking liquid. Remove the mussels from the shells, and discard the shells and any that haven't opened.
- Heat the remaining butter in a pan, and add the mussel juices and the cream.
- Cook gently to reduce to a rich, creamy consistency. Then add the mussels and parsley.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and add to the sauce. Toss together over a low heat and serve.