Seafood Spaghetti Marinara (2024)

A classic, easy seafood pasta made using a seafood marinara mix: prawns / shrimp, calamari, fish and mussels tossed through a simple, tasty tomato sauce. Made properly, thereal proper Italian way, this Seafood Spaghetti Marinara is dinner on the table in 20 minutes!

Seafood Spaghetti Marinara (1)

Seafood Spaghetti Marinara

This recipe is dedicated to Bill and Pauline, the owners of a gorgeous young Golden Retriever called Lucy thatDozer plays with regularly at the beach.

When I say “dedicated”, I don’t mean any kind of heartfelt, deep and meaningful dedication. There is no sentiment behind thisdedication.

It is just that I’ve now dictated this recipe to themthree timeswhile Dozer and Lucy were playing on the beach,and rather than continuing that weekly routine, I thought I’d just write the recipe out properly for them!!!

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While a seafood pasta may sound fancy, in actual fact, this is super fast and easy to make. It really is dinner on the table in 20 minutes, if you can manage boiling the pasta while you make the (very easy) sauce.

I don’t want to show off, but it takes me 15 minutes. Should I do a video to prove it?? 😉

Mind you, I start with a pre-prepared seafood Marinara mix. Nowadays good seafood stores sell great quality marinara (the fish mongerin Pittwater Place, for those in my area!), a good mix of small prawns/shrimp, pieces of fish, slices of calamari and shelled mussels. And it’s super great value too.

The key to the sauce for this pasta is searing the seafood first, then removing it before proceeding to make the pastasauce. This way, the seafood is not overcooked, and also the sauce benefits from the residual flavour left in the pan after searing the seafood.

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For the sauce – tomato passata

I like to make this sauce using tomato passata (pictured above) which is simply pureed plain tomatoes.It’s thicker and smooth, unlike canned crushed tomatoes, so it makes a lovely quick sauce. Nowadays, passata is sold in all major supermarkets here in Australia – in the pasta section – and it costs just a little more than canned tomatoes.

Toss the pasta!!

The other important step for this recipe isemulsifying.It sounds fancy, but all it requires is cookingthe pasta in the sauce with somepasta cooking water for a minute or two right before serving.

This is a secret step mastered by all the Italian Nonna’s and proper restaurants around the world that makes all the difference. It’s magic becauseitthickensthe sauceso it clings lusciously to every strand of pasta. Rather than a watery pool of sauce in the bottom of the bowl. 🙂

If you want to get technical, it’s because of the reaction that occurs between the starch in the pasta cooking water and the oil in the sauce. 🙂

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I made this yesterday (Tuesday) and bumped into Pauline and Bill at the dog park just after I gave the homeless man a big steaming container of this pasta. The homeless man gave this a big thumbs up. Pauline and Bill politely declined my request for a family photo to include in this post. However, I knowthey’re certainly looking forward to getting their hands on this recipe – written out properly for them!!

– Nagi x

PS To bridge the communication gap: “Marinara” to most of the world other than Australia means a tomato pasta sauce. Not to be confused with “Marinara seafood mix” as sold in Australia, being a premix of different types of seafood in bite size pieces. So to Australians, “Spaghetti Marinara” meansa seafood pasta, whereas in other countries, it meansspaghetti in a tomato sauce.

In this particular recipe, it’s pasta with seafood in a tomato sauce….so I sort of captured both meanings!!!

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Seafood Spaghetti Marinara

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

Dinner, Pasta

Italian

4.99 from 97 votes

Servings2

Tap or hover to scale

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A classic seafood pasta made with a pre-made seafood marinara mix. This is really simple to make, and the key to this recipe is the step where the pasta is finished cooking in the sauce. This is called "emulsifying", and it's an essential Italian cooking technique where the starch in the pasta cooking water reacts with the oil in the sauce and makes the sauce thick and luscious so it coats every strand of pasta.

Ingredients

  • 6 oz / 180g dried spaghetti pasta (or other long pasta of choice)
  • 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil , separated
  • 10 oz / 300g seafood Marinara mix , or make your own (Note 1)
  • 2 garlic cloves , minced
  • 1/2 onion , finely chopped (~1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 cup white wine (any) (Note 2)
  • 2 cups tomato passata/tomato puree (Note 3) OR 600g/20oz canned crushed tomato + 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to packet directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute (because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce). RESERVE 1 mug of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

  • Separate the seafood mix based on cook time. Longest cook time: fish and medium / large prawns, medium cook time: small prawns, shortest cook time: calamari.

  • Heat 1 1/2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add fish and large prawns first, cook for 30 seconds. Add small prawns, cook for 30 seconds. Add calamari, cook for 1 minute. Immediately transfer everything to a bowl.

  • Reduce heat to medium high. Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil, then add garlic and onion. Cook for 3 minutes until onion is translucent.

  • Add wine and bring to simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to mix the brown bits into the liquid. Simmer for 1 minute or until alcohol smell has evaporated.

  • Add tomato passata, sugar, salt & pepper. Low heat to medium high, bring to simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

  • Add pasta, seafood, around 1/2 cup of reserved pasta cooking water into the sauce. Toss gently and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and coats the pasta.

  • Serve, garnished with fresh parsley. (See Note 4 re: parmesan cheese)

Recipe Notes:

1. Seafood Marinara is just a mix of different seafoods including small shrimp/prawns, mussels, slices of calamari and pieces of fish. In Australia, it can be purchased from seafood stores and supermarkets, already made up. It's very good value, cheaper than buying fillets.

However, you can make up your own if you prefer, using whatever seafood you want.

2. The wine can be substituted with chicken broth/stock or (last resort) water.

3. Tomato passata / puree is like a thick tomato juice, it's smooth and has a thick consistency. It is plain pureed tomatoes. Not to be confused with tomato paste or tomato ketchup, or tomato sauce!

It can be purchased in the pasta aisle of supermarkets in Australia and costs around the same as canned tomatoes. Or you can make your own by pureeing any plain canned tomatoes in a blender. Otherwise, use canned crushed tomatoes.

4. Parmesan cheese is traditionally not used to garnish Italian seafood dishes. However, don't let that stop you!

5.Nutrition per serving. A big GENEROUS bowl! Realistically this serves 2 with a bit of leftovers.

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Nutrition Information:

Serving: 508gCalories: 660cal (33%)

Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

Life of Dozer: Being dumped by a wave. Came out of it with his tail still wagging, and went straight back in for more. Currently trying to teach him to body-surf. It is not going well. 🙂

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Seafood Spaghetti Marinara (2024)

FAQs

Is marinara sauce the same as seafood sauce? ›

PS To bridge the communication gap: “Marinara” to most of the world other than Australia means a tomato pasta sauce. Not to be confused with “Marinara seafood mix” as sold in Australia, being a premix of different types of seafood in bite size pieces.

What makes marinara sauce different from spaghetti sauce? ›

When you think of “spaghetti sauce”, you're likely thinking of marinara. While the two sauces share many ingredients, the main difference is in the consistency and depth of flavor. Marinara is brighter, thinner, and more tomato forward than tomato sauce.

Can marinara sauce be used for spaghetti? ›

Marinara can be used as a spaghetti sauce or with any other type of pasta, as well as be used as a dipping sauce. Spaghetti sauce uses all those same base ingredients and then takes it to the next level, adding proteins and/or vegetables.

Does marinara mean seafood? ›

“Marinara” translates to “seafaring”—or colloquially to “sailor style” or “mariner style.” It was given the name marinara not because it was once a seafood-style sauce, but because it was the preferred meal of Italy's merchants during long expeditions at sea.

Can I substitute marinara with pasta sauce? ›

Marinara and spaghetti sauces have the same core ingredient—tomatoes! While the two sauces differ slightly, they have a very similar texture and can be used interchangeably in equal amounts. Pasta sauce will bring extra flavor to the the table, which is an added bonus.

What do Italians call spaghetti sauce? ›

Here's the gist: the two ways Italians say “sauce” in Italian are salsa and/or sugo. Both words translate as “sauce” but never as “gravy.” Ragù doesn't even translate as “gravy” but comes close enough since it involves meat which is what people really mean when they say “gravy” (my personal opinion).

Which is healthier marinara or spaghetti sauce? ›

Which is healthier, spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce? A. Marinara sauce has more vitamins and minerals and is even healthier. Both contain tomatoes.

Is it better to use marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce for lasagna? ›

The secret to the most delicious classic lasagna is to start with really, really good Homemade Marinara Sauce that's been slow simmered until it's rich and thick, and filling your whole house with the most intoxicating aroma.

Is marinara sauce sweeter than spaghetti sauce? ›

Rather than having a thin consistency like a traditional marinara, tomato sauce is thicker and sits on top of your pasta dishes. The flavors of a tomato sauce are simmered together slowly, giving them time to develop. The end result is a red sauce that is traditionally a bit sweeter than a marinara.

Do Italians use marinara for spaghetti? ›

Widely used in Italian-American cuisine, it is known as alla marinara in Italy, where it is typically made with tomatoes, basil, olive oil, garlic and oregano, but also sometimes olives, capers, and salted anchovies. It is used for spaghetti and vermicelli, but also with meat or fish.

Why is Rao's so good? ›

Rao's Homemade® quickly became the world's leading brand of premium pasta sauce and for good reason: Rao's sauces are simmered slowly and made in small batches with only the best ingredients, like pure Italian olive oil and hand-picked, naturally ripened tomatoes from southern Italy.

Can you use Prego marinara for spaghetti sauce? ›

This Prego pasta sauce is made with no high fructose corn syrup for a spaghetti sauce you can feel good about. Top off any pasta with Prego sauce for a quick, family-pleasing meal, or use it as a base for your favorite recipes.

What do they call marinara sauce in Italy? ›

The authentic marinara sauce in Italian is called sugo, which means using the end of the season (ripest) tomatoes. Italian marinara sauce recipe is savory and robust and often referred to as "the sun and aroma of Italy on a plae." Italian cuisine is focused on the quality of the ingredients.

What do you call marinara and alfredo? ›

Marinara and Alfredo Sauce mixed together is sometimes called Rose Pasta Sauce, because of the color. It is also called just simply Marinara Alfredo or Creamy Marinara. It is sort of like a Vodka Sauce, minus the Vodka. But whatever you call it, it is just down right yummy!

What is the oldest Italian pasta dish? ›

Testaroli has been described as "the earliest recorded pasta." It is also a native dish of the southern Liguria and northern Tuscany regions of Italy. Testaroli is prepared from a batter that is cooked on a hot flat surface, after which it may be consumed.

What is another name for seafood sauce? ›

Marie Rose sauce (known in some areas as co*cktail sauce or seafood sauce) is a British condiment often made from a blend of tomatoes, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and black pepper. A simpler version can be made by merely mixing tomato ketchup with mayonnaise.

What is the closest thing to marinara sauce? ›

A pizza sauce is usually very similar to a marinara sauce. There are different variations. If you are going to use a pizza sauce in place of marinara, find one that doesn't have overpowering flavors. There are a lot of pizza sauces on the market that are too heavy on the oregano.

What can you substitute for marinara sauce? ›

Any canned tomato variety like diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, or crushed tomatoes makes a great substitute for marinara in a pinch. Simply blend the tomatoes, or use your food processor to break down the tomatoes to your desired consistency. Then add your favorite herbs and seasonings.

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