What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of fresh mussels
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of white wine
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Cleaning the Mussels
Start by cleaning the mussels thoroughly to ensure they are safe to eat. Rinse them under cold water and discard any that are open or have broken shells.
Step 2: Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Step 3: Sauteing the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Adding the Mussels
Turn the heat to medium-high and add the cleaned mussels to the skillet. Pour in the white wine and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the mussels have opened up.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Remove any mussels that have not opened, as they may be unsafe to eat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Step 6: Combining Pasta and Mussels
Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the mussels. Toss gently to combine and allow the flavors to meld together for a minute or two.
Step 7: Serving Your Dish
Transfer the pasta and mussels to a large serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Now that you have mastered the art of cooking mussels for pasta, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious seafood dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a taste of the ocean, mussels and pasta make for a winning combination. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite among seafood lovers.