Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for seafood lovers. The mussels steam in a seasoned broth, infusing it with a rich ocean flavor that pairs beautifully with pasta. Using just a few fresh ingredients, it creates an elegant dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or dinner parties.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dried linguine
- Fresh mussels, cleaned and de-bearded
- Unsalted butter
- Shallot, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the linguine according to package directions.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the shallots and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer for 1 minute.
- Add the mussels, cover, and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 7–10 minutes until all mussels have opened. Discard any that remain closed.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the mussels and sauce. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use seafood stock instead of chicken broth for a more intense seafood flavor.
- Stir in a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
- Use spaghetti or fettuccine instead of linguine.
- Add cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color.
Storage/Reheating
Linguine with Mussels is best enjoyed fresh, as seafood can become tough when reheated. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, avoiding prolonged cooking.
FAQs
How do I clean and de-beard mussels?
Scrub the shells under cold water and pull away the fibrous “beard” with a firm tug before cooking.
Can I use frozen mussels?
Yes, but they are usually pre-cooked. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
What type of broth works best?
Chicken broth adds richness, while seafood broth gives a stronger ocean flavor.
Do I need to discard unopened mussels?
Yes, any mussels that remain closed after cooking should be discarded.
Can I make this dish without butter?
Yes, olive oil can be used as a substitute.
What can I serve with Linguine with Mussels?
A fresh green salad and crusty bread make excellent accompaniments.
How do I keep pasta from sticking when tossed with mussels?
Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce and help coat the pasta evenly.
Can I add other seafood?
Yes, shrimp, scallops, or clams can be added for a mixed seafood pasta.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.
How do I prevent overcooking mussels?
Steam them just until they open—overcooking can make them tough.
Conclusion
Linguine with Mussels is a quick, flavorful, and elegant pasta dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. With its garlicky, herb-infused broth and tender mussels, it transforms simple ingredients into a delicious dinner that feels special but comes together effortlessly.
Linguine with Mussels
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Linguine with Mussels is a quick and elegant pasta dish combining tender linguine, fresh mussels, and a fragrant garlic-shallot butter sauce simmered in savory broth. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
12 oz dried linguine
2 lbs fresh mussels, cleaned and de-bearded
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add shallot and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer for 1 minute.
- Add mussels, cover skillet, and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 7–10 minutes until all mussels have opened. Discard any that remain closed.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to combine with mussels and sauce. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Discard any mussels with broken shells or that remain closed after cooking.
Seafood broth can replace chicken broth for a stronger ocean flavor.
Best enjoyed fresh—mussels can become tough if reheated.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
