18 September 2026
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This first course will make you smell the sea again: creamy pasta with mussels and clams and 4 other recipes to try
Technique
By Jean-Luc Moreau, the Technique desk · 2d ago · Italy · 4 min ·

This first course will make you smell the sea again: creamy pasta with mussels and clams and 4 other recipes to try

Mussels, clams, and enveloping condiments: 5 seafood starters that bring the flavors of the holidays back to the table, even as summer draws to a close.

Seafood pasta

The scent of mussels and clams, the sauce that envelops the pasta, and that savory flavor that instantly transports you to the sea: when summer seems over, all it takes is the right first course to bring it back to the table. Start with the creamy pasta with mussels and clams and discover four other seafood recipes to choose from for a special lunch or dinner that captures all the flavor of the holidays.

Creamy pasta with mussels and clams

Looking for a simple yet impressive seafood recipe? Prepare this creamy pasta with mussels and clams, a flavorful first course enhanced by tomato and fresh parsley sauce. Simply choose the freshest seafood to bring a quick and elegant sauce to the table, perfect for your Sunday lunches. Let its summery aroma captivate you and discover how to make a creamy and surprising seafood pasta!

Smart tip: If you don't have tomato paste, cook the passata a little longer to thicken it.

Mezze maniche with mussels and clams in lemongrass

Mezze maniche with mussels and clams in lemongrass is an original first course, a perfect blend of creativity and flavor. Cook the risotto-style pasta in broth to achieve an irresistible creamy texture, topped with a fragrant lemongrass cream. Try this twist on the classic seafood pasta and be amazed by its delicious flavor and delicate aroma!

Smart tip: you can replace the lemongrass with lime zest!

Paccheri with creamed potatoes and mussels

Seafood pasta dishes always tempt the palate, and this paccheri with creamed potatoes and mussels is the perfect example. Experience the delicious combination of seafood and potatoes, enhanced in this recipe with a touch of saffron for a creamy texture and intense color without the tomato sauce. Choose this pasta shape to bring a refined specialty to the table, ideal for your most important occasions and bursting with the aroma of the sea.

Clever tip: you can embellish this pasta with fresh chili pepper!

Tagliatelle with chickpea cream and clams

Spaghetti with clams is a timeless classic, but today you can wow everyone with tagliatelle with creamed chickpeas and clams, a delicate and flavorful first course. This recipe combines the savory flavor of seafood with the enveloping texture of legumes, transformed into a delicious cream that pairs perfectly with the pasta. Prepare this combination of land and sea to make your dinner special and be captivated by a whirlwind of unique flavor from the first bite.

Smart tip: instead of fresh egg tagliatelle, you can use dried ones, which are more convenient and easily available!

Spaghetti with mussels

The bright red color of tomatoes and the aroma of fresh mussels are the protagonists of spaghetti with mussels, a traditional seafood first course that is always beloved. Delight your palate with this flavorful seafood recipe, where the acidity of the sauce perfectly balances the sweetness of the shellfish. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to bring out the unique flavor of the seafood spaghetti. Prepare this simple and enveloping specialty, ideal as a starter to impress your guests.

Clever tip: you can also make the plain version without the tomato sauce!

Key facts
  • Who: Pasta

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