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!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Flavorful: This stunning Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce only takes 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all day coaxing out layers of flavor.
- Vibrant Bistro Vibes at Home: The aromatic, garlicky tomato sauce feels straight out of a seaside restaurant — without the fancy price tag.
- One Pot. No Stress: Everything simmers together in a single big skillet or pot, making cleanup a breeze and leaving you more time to enjoy dinner.
- Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt ingredients, level of spice, or presentation to suit your mood, guests, or pantry staples.
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!
Pro Tips for Making Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce
- Cleaning Mussels Like a Pro: Thoroughly scrub and de-beard mussels before cooking — clean shells mean a clearer, less gritty sauce.
- Don’t Overcook Seafood: Shrimp only need a minute per side to sear, and mussels just enough time to open — overcooking can make them rubbery instead of tender.
- Break Up Tomatoes by Hand: Use a spoon or squeeze gently with tongs; hand-broken tomatoes give the sauce rustic texture and prevent it from being too smooth or watery.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Add parsley right before serving for a pop of color and a hit of freshness that contrasts the rich, savory sauce.
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
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Do I need to remove the beards from mussels myself?
Yes, it’s best to remove the beards for a clean, grit-free eating experience. Simply tug them toward the hinge of the shell or use a small knife. This step also improves presentation and the overall mouthfeel of your Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce.
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Can I prepare Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce ahead of time?
You can prep all the vegetables and clean the seafood ahead, storing them separately. The final dish is best made right before serving for plump, just-opened mussels and perfectly tender shrimp.
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What if I can’t find fresh mussels?
Frozen, cleaned mussels are a handy substitute (just thaw first, and check they open when cooked). The flavor is lovely, and you’ll still get plenty of ocean essence in your sauce.
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Is this dish very spicy?
Not at all! The chili flakes bring a gentle warmth, but you have total control — add more for a kick, or leave them out if you prefer a milder take on Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce.
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!
PrintMussels and Shrimp in Garlic Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A delicious seafood dish featuring mussels and shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic tomato sauce, perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 14 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Sauce:
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika, divided
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can (14.5 oz/400 ml) whole peeled tomatoes
- 2.2 pounds mussels
- 4 thyme sprigs
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For Serving:
- Parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, then season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Prep the Mussels: Clean and debeard the mussels, then refrigerate.
- Cook the Shrimp: Sear the shrimp in a skillet, then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Cook onion, garlic, and celery. Add tomato paste, spices, tomatoes, thyme, mussels, and broth. Steam for 6 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Return shrimp to the skillet, cover, and steam for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy the dish with crusty bread.
Notes
- Be sure to discard any mussels that do not close when pinched.
- Check for and remove any debris from mussels before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 320mg