Introduction
Seafood linguine is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of the ocean with a creamy, tangy lemon sauce. This recipe allows you to create a restaurant-quality meal in just 15 minutes with only five ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant date night, this dish combines simplicity with sophistication.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Linguine pasta – 200 grams
Mixed seafood (such as shrimp, mussels, and squid) – 300 grams
Heavy cream – 150 ml
Lemon (zested and juiced) – 1 medium
Fresh parsley (chopped) – 2 tablespoons
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
With this straightforward recipe, you can impress your family or friends with minimal effort. Enjoy the succulent seafood wrapped in a creamy lemon sauce served over perfectly cooked linguine.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all necessary ingredients for the dish including linguine, seafood mix, garlic, heavy cream, lemon, and fresh parsley.
Step 2: Cook the Linguine
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain the rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it does not burn.
Step 4: Add the Seafood
In the skillet, add the seafood mix to the sautéed garlic. Cook until the seafood is opaque and cooked through, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and add freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the creamy seafood sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a delightful meal.
Notes
Note 1: Seafood Options
You may use a variety of seafood such as shrimp, scallops, or a pre-packaged seafood mix based on availability.
Note 2: Adjusting Creaminess
Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream according to your preference for a richer sauce.
Note 3: Lemon Zest
For extra flavor, consider adding lemon zest along with the juice to enhance the citrusy freshness.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
Pair the dish with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Cook techniques
Preparing Seafood
When using seafood for your linguine, ensure that you select fresh ingredients. Clean all seafood thoroughly, removing any shells and deveining shrimp as necessary.
Cooking Pasta
For perfect linguine, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the package instructions for precise timing.
Making Creamy Sauce
To create a creamy lemon sauce, combine heavy cream with freshly squeezed lemon juice in a pan over medium heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve a bit of the pasta water. Combine the linguine with the seafood and creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Garnishing
Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, along with additional lemon zest for an extra pop of flavor.
FAQ
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, frozen seafood can be used, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before cooking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can substitute traditional linguine with gluten-free pasta options that are widely available.
What type of seafood works best?
A combination of shrimp, scallops, and mussels works well, but feel free to adjust based on your preferences.
Can I prepare this in advance?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep ingredients in advance. Cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative, but this may change the flavor and texture of the sauce.
Conclusion
The creamy lemon sauce combined with seafood in the linguines offers a delightful and quick meal option. This dish not only provides a burst of flavor but also brings the freshness of the sea to your table. It’s a perfect choice for those busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
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