Seafood Pasta with Lemon Crumbs

No comments
Seafood Pasta with Lemon Crumbs

Imagine a plate that captures the essence of coastal Italian cuisine in just 35 minutes - crispy lemon-toasted breadcrumbs dancing over perfectly seared seafood and al dente spaghetti. This Seafood Pasta with Lemon Crumbs isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Prepare to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to create!

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 8 oz spaghetti
  2. 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, calamari)
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  5. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  6. 2 tbsp olive oil
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare the seafood. Pat shrimp, scallops, and calamari dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Quickly sear seafood in batches, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove seafood and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  5. In a separate small pan, toast breadcrumbs with lemon zest until golden brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the garlic skillet, tossing with lemon juice and reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
  7. Gently fold in cooked seafood, warming through for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Plate pasta and seafood, generously sprinkle with lemon-toasted breadcrumbs.
  9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips

  1. • Pat seafood completely dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden crust • Cook seafood in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking • Toast breadcrumbs slowly and stir constantly to prevent burning • Reserve pasta water - it's liquid gold for creating silky, clingy sauces • Use the freshest seafood possible for the most vibrant flavor • Don't overcook seafood - 1-2 minutes per side is typically perfect • Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiest breadcrumbs and most tender seafood

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 380kcal

Carbohydrates: 35g

Protein: 28g

Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 160mg

Pin Recipe Share Email

Share this:

Leave a Comment