Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping seafood dish that’s both comforting and quick to prepare, Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce is about to become your new favorite. Plump mussels and tender shrimp simmer in a garlicky, rich tomato sauce bursting with herbs and a little smoky heat — perfect for piling high onto crusty bread or spooning over pasta. Every bite is an invitation to linger a little longer around the table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore most about Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce is how each ingredient pulls double duty — adding not just taste, but color and texture too. The list is fuss-free, but every element is essential to building the sauce’s depth and letting the seafood shine.

• Olive oil & unsalted butter: The duo of fats gives a silky, flavorful base for sautéing without overpowering the delicate seafood.
• Shrimp (peeled & deveined): Sweet, juicy shrimp soak up the garlicky tomato juices and add wonderful bite to each spoonful.
• Yellow onion: A gentle, aromatic backbone that naturally sweetens the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Four cloves may sound like a lot, but their punchy aroma balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and seafood beautifully.
• Celery stalk: Adds subtle herbal notes and keeps the sauce fresh-tasting.
• Tomato paste: A small spoonful ups the umami and deepens the sauce color.
• Salt & black pepper: For seasoning — used both in the shrimp marinade and sauce for layers of flavor.
• Smoked paprika: This adds a pop of smoky depth that’s absolutely irresistible here.
• Sugar: Just a touch helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce sweet.
• Chili flakes: For a gentle heat that doesn’t overpower the dish — adjust to your spice preference.
• Bay leaf: Lends a subtle earthiness that rounds everything out.
• Whole peeled tomatoes (canned): They simmer down into a chunky sauce; breaking them up yourself results in the perfect texture.
• Mussels: Fresh and cleaned — these little gems open up in the sauce and infuse it with briny, ocean flavor.
• Thyme sprigs: They release fragrant oils as they stew, making the kitchen smell heavenly.
• Chicken broth: Helps steam the mussels while adding a savory base note to the sauce.
• Parsley: Just a sprinkle at the end wakes up the whole dish with a burst of green freshness.

Variations

This Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce recipe is delightfully versatile, so don’t be shy about making it your own! Whether you’re accommodating a diet or simply using up what’s in the fridge, there are so many fun tweaks you can try.

• Swap the Seafood: Try adding clams, scallops, or calamari rings for extra variety, or use only shrimp if you don’t have mussels handy.
• Herb Heaven: Switch thyme for basil, oregano, or tarragon according to your garden or mood — each gives a new flavor spin!
• Make it Wine-Infused: Splash in dry white wine instead of chicken broth for a brighter, more classic Mediterranean sauce.
• Lower Carb or Paleo: Skip the bread and serve the seafood and tomato sauce over sauteed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

How to Make Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Seafood and Vegetables

Before you even light the stove, take a few moments to peel and devein the shrimp, tossing them in a bowl with half the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Slice your onion into thin petals, mince the garlic — don’t skimp here! — and chop the celery for aromatic base notes. For the mussels, soak them in cold water and meticulously clean off any beards or grit, discarding any stubbornly open ones. This little bit of prep pays off big time in the final dish.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat the butter and olive oil together in a wide, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear the shrimp just until they’re a gorgeous pink on each side — about a minute per side — then scoop them out. This quick sear locks in their juices and infuses the fats with seafood flavor before you build the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce

Into the same pan (without cleaning — flavor alert!), add your onion, garlic, and celery. Soften them for a couple of minutes, stirring often. Next, stir in the tomato paste, chili flakes, sugar, bay leaf, and the rest of the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Pour in the canned whole tomatoes, breaking them up with your spoon to create a gloriously chunky base.

Step 4: Steam Mussels and Finish the Dish

Sprinkle the thyme sprigs over the sauce and gently tumble in the cleaned mussels. Pour in chicken broth, then give everything a gentle stir. Cover tightly and let the mussels steam over medium-low heat until they open wide, about 6 minutes. Tuck the seared shrimp back into the pot and cover for another 2 minutes, just to warm them through and let their sweet flavor meld into the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Off the heat, discard any mussels that haven’t opened. Give the Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce a sprinkle of chopped parsley for brightness, and admire that glossy, fragrant pan of seafood before scooping it over toasty bread or your favorite side. Dinner is ready — and you hardly broke a sweat!

How to Serve Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce

Garnishes

For the prettiest (and tastiest!) finish, shower your Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley or even a sprinkling of fresh thyme leaves. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving adds shine and richness, while lemon wedges on the side invite guests to squeeze a little brightness over each portion.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats the classic crusty bread — it’s practically mandatory for sopping up all that aromatic tomato sauce! You can also serve this seafood stew over a bed of creamy polenta, twirled with pasta (think linguine or spaghetti), or nestled into fluffy rice. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or grilled asparagus makes a wonderful pairing too.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce into a dinner party centerpiece by serving it straight from a wide, colorful Dutch oven at the table. For casual gatherings, try dividing the seafood and sauce into individual bowls for a bistro-style effect, or spoon it onto toasted baguette slices for a dramatic starter or tapas night offering. Stylish, easy, and always impressive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce keep surprisingly well for up to 2 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to remove any mussels that didn’t open during cooking, as they’re not safe to eat. The flavors only deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious!

Freezing

While shrimp and the tomato sauce freeze nicely, mussels can become tough and lose their tender texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze, simply remove any leftover mussels and freeze the shrimp and sauce separately for up to one month. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat just until the seafood is heated through—avoid boiling, as this can make the shrimp and mussels rubbery. A splash of broth or water will help loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you need a flavor-packed weeknight treat or want to impress guests with minimal effort, Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce is the answer. It’s luscious, quick, and so easily tailored to your mood. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with every saucy, seafood-filled bite!

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