I love making this Simple Mixed Seafood Tomato Marinara Pasta when I want a comforting and flavorful seafood dinner that feels both elegant and easy. The rich tomato marinara sauce pairs perfectly with tender seafood and pasta, creating a dish that tastes fresh and satisfying. I always enjoy how quickly this recipe comes together while still feeling special enough for gatherings or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pasta combines the freshness of seafood with the richness of homemade marinara sauce. The flavors stay light yet comforting, and the seafood cooks quickly, making the recipe perfect for busy evenings. I also enjoy how versatile this dish can be because I can use different seafood combinations depending on what I have available.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mixed seafood such as shrimp, mussels, calamari, or scallops
Pasta
Olive oil
Garlic
Onion
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley
Basil
Lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper
Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain it.
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
I cook the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
I stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
I let the marinara sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
I add the mixed seafood and cook until the shrimp turns pink and the seafood becomes tender.
I squeeze fresh lemon juice into the sauce for brightness.
I toss the cooked pasta into the marinara sauce until evenly coated.
I finish the dish with fresh parsley, basil, and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 portions
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add white wine to the marinara sauce for extra depth of flavor. When I want more heat, I increase the red pepper flakes or add chili oil. I also enjoy including clams or crab meat for a richer seafood combination. For a lighter version, I use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

storage/reheating

I store leftover seafood pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When I reheat it, I warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water so the sauce stays smooth. I avoid overcooking the seafood during reheating to keep it tender.

FAQs

What seafood works best for this pasta?

I usually use shrimp, calamari, mussels, or scallops because they cook quickly and pair well with marinara sauce.

Can I use frozen seafood?

I often use frozen seafood after thawing it properly, and it works perfectly in this recipe.

What pasta shape should I use?

I enjoy using spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine because they hold the sauce beautifully.

Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?

I like preparing the sauce in advance and adding the seafood right before serving.

How can I make the dish spicier?

I add more red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers when I want extra heat.

Conclusion

I always enjoy how comforting and flavorful this Simple Mixed Seafood Tomato Marinara Pasta turns out. The rich tomato sauce, tender seafood, and perfectly cooked pasta create a meal that feels fresh, hearty, and satisfying. It is one of my favorite seafood pasta dishes to prepare when I want something easy yet impressive.