Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but short on time? This seafood and noodles recipe is the perfect solution! It's surprisingly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and ready in under 30 minutes. This healthy meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend lunch. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and mussels work well)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Sauté the Seafood
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add the Seafood
Add the seafood to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through and opaque. Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan (Optional)
If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to the sauce. If omitting the wine, simply proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the seafood. Toss to combine. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
Cooking Tips for Perfect Seafood Noodles:
- Don't overcook the seafood! Overcooked seafood becomes tough and rubbery. Cook it just until it's opaque and cooked through.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more or less red pepper flakes, lemon juice, or salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood. This recipe is adaptable, so feel free to use your favorite seafood.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Enhance the dish with vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini. Add them to the skillet along with the seafood.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This easy seafood and noodles recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking options. Enjoy this delicious and healthy dish!