Description
This delightful smoked mussels pasta recipe combines smoky tinned mussels with perfectly cooked spaghetti. The result is a quick yet impressive meal that works beautifully for weeknight dinners and special occasions.
This buttery spaghetti dish will delight garlic lovers by combining convenient tinned smoked mussels with fresh ingredients for amazing flavor. The recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll create something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- ¾ lb spaghetti.
- 3–4 tins smoked mussels in olive oil.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced.
- ½ cup diced shallots.
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill.
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips.
- Juice of ½ lemon, plus extra wedges for serving.
- Coarse breadcrumbs (optional).
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 10 minutes. Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Start the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat while the pasta cooks. Add shallots and cook them until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Build Flavors: Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Watch carefully so it doesn’t brown. Add capers to the mix.
- Create the Sauce: Add reserved mussel oil and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Your sauce should be light yet full of flavor.
- Combine Components: Turn down the heat and add pasta. Toss everything together. Add pasta water bit by bit until you get the right consistency.
- Final Touches: Add the smoked mussels, fresh herbs, and lemon juice with a gentle hand. Toss everything carefully so the mussels stay intact.
Notes
– Pasta Water Tip: Starchy pasta water creates a silky sauce that coats each strand of spaghetti perfectly.
– Mussel Care: Handle smoked mussels with care during mixing to keep their shape and texture.
– Oil Usage: Save the oil from mussel tins – it adds wonderful flavor to your sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Smoking