Pasta al Pomodoro e Cozze

Pasta al Pomodoro e Cozze is a vibrant Italian seafood dish that combines the sweetness of fresh tomatoes with the briny flavor of mussels, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients, making it both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti - 200 grams
• Fresh mussels - 250 grams
• Cherry tomatoes - 300 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh basil - 10 leaves, torn
• Red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Parmesan cheese - for serving (optional)

Steps

1. Begin by cleaning the mussels under cold running water, scrubbing the shells to remove any debris. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.
5. Add the mussels to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce and mussels. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. Stir in the torn basil leaves and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from mussels, promoting heart health.
• High in vitamins C and A from tomatoes, supporting immune function.

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