Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that will transport your tastebuds to a seaside paradise? Then look no further! This Sea of Conquest pasta recipe is your answer. It's a delightful blend of succulent seafood, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce that's sure to become a new family favorite. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a weekend gathering. Get ready to conquer your dinnertime with this delicious and healthy meal!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams – you can use frozen or fresh)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and zucchini and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add Seafood and Wine (or Broth): Add the seafood to the skillet. If using frozen seafood, make sure it's thawed. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the shrimp is pink and the mussels and clams have opened. Discard any mussels or clams that don't open. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for a minute, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
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Combine and Simmer: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sea of Conquest:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Seafood: While fresh seafood is ideal, frozen works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure it's completely thawed before adding it to the skillet.
- Don't Overcook the Seafood: Overcooked seafood becomes tough and rubbery. Cook it just until it's opaque and cooked through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lemon juice, salt, pepper, or oregano depending on your preference.
- Pasta Water is Key: The reserved pasta water adds starch to the sauce, helping it to thicken and cling to the pasta.
Variations:
- Spicy Sea of Conquest: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Creamy Sea of Conquest: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer sauce.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-500 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This Sea of Conquest pasta is a quick, easy, and healthy dinner option that's packed with flavor. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!