Easy Orecchiette with Tomato Sauce and Mussels

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Recipe intro

This easy orecchiette with tomato sauce and mussels recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The dish features tender orecchiette pasta tossed in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, complemented by the briny taste of fresh mussels. It is a simple yet impressive dish that can be prepared in no time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy the taste of the sea with the comforting flavors of tomatoes and pasta.

Keywords: orecchiette, tomato sauce, mussels, easy recipe, seafood.

Easy orecchiette with tomato sauce and mussels recipe details

Easy orecchiette with tomato sauce and mussels recipe, recipe Rating: 4.8
Number of votes:127

Seafood doesn’t get fresher than mussels, which are actually alive when you cook them. Placing these in a tomato sauce makes a simple but unique pasta dish.
Ready in: 30 mins

Ingredients

Serves: 4

• 1 pound mussels, well-rinsed, open or cracked shells discarded
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 ounce) cans peeled tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 pound dry orecchiette pasta (one box)

Preparation method

Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 25 mins

1. In a large pot, combine mussels and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and let the mussels steam until the shells are fully open, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a medium saucepan on medium-high heat.
3. When the oil is hot, add the onions and garlic. Cook until the onions start to get soft (but before they get brown), about 5 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mash up the whole tomatoes into smaller chunks.
5. Keep heating sauce until it starts to bubble (a.k.a. simmer), then turn the heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes.
6. For the orecchiette: A good time to start boiling the water is just before you add the tomatoes to the sauce. Fill a large pot with water. Bring to a boil, and cook for the time directed on the pasta box.
7. When the orecchiette is cooked, drain it and put it in a large bowl. Add the sauce and the reserved steamed mussels. Serve!