Mussels in White Wine, Garlic And Butter Sauce a bed of pasta

Indulge in the delightful flavors of the sea with this exquisite recipe for Mussels in White Wine, Garlic, and Butter Sauce served with pasta. This dish beautifully combines tender mussels with a rich, aromatic sauce infused with white wine, garlic, and fresh basil, all tossed with al dente linguine or spaghetti.

Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe brings a touch of elegance to your table while remaining simple enough for any home cook to master. Enjoy a culinary experience that’s sure to impress!

Mussels in White Wine, Garlic And Butter Sauce a bed of pasta

Ingredients

2 pounds mussels rinsed

1 pound linguine or spaghetti

3/4 cup white wine

1 shallot finely chopped

3 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup fresh basil finely chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic minced

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Rinse the mussels and remove beards if necessary, discard any that do not fully close when rinsing (these are dead).

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook linguine until al dente.

Meanwhile, heat butter and oil in a large covered saucepan on medium-high heat. Cook garlic and shallots until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine, basil, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Cover and simmer mussels in the white wine sauce until fully cooked and shells open up, about 5 minutes. Stir mussels to coat in the sauce.

When linguine is finished, strain and stir into the mussels and white wine sauce. Now add cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens. Serve topped with a pinch of fresh basil, more Parmesan cheese, and 6-7 mussels.

Notes:

Freshness of Mussels: Ensure the mussels are fresh; they should be tightly closed when rinsed. Discard any that remain open or have broken shells.

Choosing Wine: Use a dry white wine for the best flavor. Options like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well.

Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.

Adjusting Heat: Monitor the heat when cooking the garlic and shallots to prevent burning, which can impart a bitter taste.

Creaminess Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream for a richer or lighter sauce based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Garnish: For added freshness, consider garnishing with additional basil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, but note that the texture may change upon reheating.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen mussels?

Yes, you can use frozen mussels.

Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

What if I can’t find fresh mussels?

If fresh mussels are unavailable, consider using canned or jarred mussels, but the flavor and texture will differ.

Can I substitute the pasta type?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?

Yes, you can use vegetable or chicken broth mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best to cook it fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead.

Cooked mussels and pasta may not hold up well if reheated.

How do I know when the mussels are cooked?

Mussels are done when their shells open up.

Discard any that remain closed after cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like olive oil and coconut cream, and skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.

How spicy is the dish with crushed red pepper flakes?

The heat level is adjustable; you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.

What can I serve with this dish?

A side salad or crusty bread works well to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the mussels.