When you want something comforting yet impressive, Seafood Spaghetti is the perfect choice. It’s loaded with tender shrimp (and optional scallops or mussels), tossed in a garlicky tomato-wine style sauce, and finished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, coastal flavor.
Unlike heavy seafood pastas, this homemade version is light, saucy, and balanced—so you taste the seafood, the garlic, and the simple Italian-style goodness in every bite. Perfect for date night, weekend dinners, or anytime you want a meal that feels special without being complicated.
Ingredients
Serves 4
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- Salt (for pasta water)
Seafood
- 1/2 lb (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb (225g) scallops or mussels/clams (optional, or use extra shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or 2 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp butter)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup pasta water (more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus wedges for serving)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional but delicious)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional—some prefer no cheese with seafood)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: About 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente.
Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Sear the Seafood
Pat seafood dry. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
- Cook scallops 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
Transfer seafood to a plate (don’t overcook—finish later in the sauce).
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in marinara/crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and 1/3 cup reserved pasta water. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Combine
Add spaghetti to the sauce and toss well. Add more pasta water as needed for a silky, glossy sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Seafood
Return seafood to the skillet and toss for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and lemon zest (if using). Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
Step 6: Serve
Plate immediately with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Add Parmesan only if you like it with seafood.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with a simple arugula salad or Caesar salad.
- Add roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach on the side.
- Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes or chili oil.
- For parties, serve family-style in a big pasta bowl with lemon wedges.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 32 grams |
| Total Fat | 16 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 62 grams |
| Sugars | 7 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 620 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Seafood adds lean protein and important minerals like iodine and selenium.
- Tomatoes and garlic provide antioxidants and heart-friendly compounds.
- Using olive oil and lemon keeps the sauce flavorful without being heavy.
Tips for Perfect Seafood Spaghetti
- Don’t overcook seafood—sear quickly and finish in the sauce.
- Save pasta water—it’s the secret to a glossy, restaurant-style sauce.
- Pat seafood dry for better browning.
- Add lemon at the end to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
- If using mussels/clams, cook them covered until they open, then toss with pasta.
Variations to Try
- Creamy Version: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream at the end for a rosé sauce.
- Garlic Butter Style: Skip tomatoes and use butter + garlic + lemon + parsley.
- Mixed Seafood: Add calamari rings or crab meat (add near the end).
- Spicy Arrabbiata: Use spicy marinara and extra red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free spaghetti and keep everything else the same.
This Seafood Spaghetti is the kind of meal that feels elegant but comes together fast. With tender seafood, a garlicky tomato sauce, and a bright lemony finish, it’s satisfying, fresh, and perfect for any night you want something a little special.
Keep it simple or customize it with your favorite seafood—either way, you’ll get a flavorful, restaurant-style pasta bowl every time.
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