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Spaghetti with mussels in red sauce served on a white plate with grilled bread

Best Mussels Pasta Recipe: How to Cook Fresh Mussels for Pasta

This easy mussels pasta recipe serves 4 people and combines fresh mussels, garlic, tomatoes, and pasta in a light, flavorful broth. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet elegant seafood dish perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g 14 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 kg 2.2 lbs fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 small onion finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (or 1 large tomato, chopped)
  • 1/2 cup seafood broth or water + lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Chili flakes optional
  • Lemon wedges to serve

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just firm (al dente). Drain and keep a small amount of the cooking water aside.
  2. Prepare the Mussels: Rinse the mussels under cold water. Scrub the shells clean and pull off the beards. Throw away any mussels that stay open when you tap them, as they are not safe to eat..
  3. Make the Sauce: In a large pan, heat olive oil. Sauté the garlic (and onion if using) for 1–2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Liquid:Add the tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften. Pour in seafood broth or your non-alcoholic wine substitute and let it gently simmer.
  5. Cook the Mussels: Add the mussels to the pan, cover with a lid, and let them steam for 5–7 minutes until they open. Throw out any that don’t open.
  6. Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Gently toss everything together. Use a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  7. Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and add lemon wedges on the side before serving.