Marinera Pasta with Red Sauce is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and seafood that evokes the essence of coastal Mediterranean cuisine. This dish typically uses spaghetti or linguine, cooked to al dente perfection and then basked in a robust, aromatic tomato sauce. The preparation begins with sautéing minced garlic and finely chopped onions in a fragrant drizzle of olive oil, creating an intoxicating aroma that sets the stage for the hearty sauce.
Crushed tomatoes are then introduced, mingling with the sweet, sautéed onions and garlic. The harmony of flavors is elevated with a splash of dry white wine and a blend of dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, infusing the sauce with a balance of herby freshness and subtle heat. As the sauce simmers gently for about 15-20 minutes, it thickens and deepens in flavor.
The star of the dish, a medley of fresh seafood—typically shrimp, mussels, and clams—is prepared meticulously, ensuring they are clean and ready to absorb the sauce’s full-bodied taste. As the mixed seafood cooks within the simmering sauce, it infuses the dish with its briny essence, while the shellfish open up, indicating their readiness.
Finally, the cooked pasta is folded into the sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors deeply, with a splash of reserved pasta water added to achieve the perfect consistency. Chopped fresh parsley is stirred in for a burst of color and a refreshing final touch. Best served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top and perhaps some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side, this dish is a testament to the beauty of Italian culinary traditions, offering a rich, comforting, and aromatic experience that transports you straight to the sunlit Mediterranean shores. Enjoy!
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti or linguine
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, squid)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
1. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package directions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the pan. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
5. Add the dry white wine, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. While the sauce simmers, prepare the seafood by cleaning and deveining the shrimp, and scrubbing the mussels and clams.
8. Add the mixed seafood to the simmering sauce. Cover the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is fully cooked and the mussels and clams have opened. Discard any mussels or clams that do not open.
9. Once the seafood is cooked, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
10. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
11. Serve the pasta with fresh parsley sprinkled on top and freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.
Enjoy your Marinera Pasta with Red Sauce!