Vibrant Tomato Seafood Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Rosé Sauce
#TomatoPasta #FreshTomatoPasta #SeafoodPasta #FrozenSeafoodRecipe #EasyRecipe #RoséPasta
Indulge in this vibrant Tomato Seafood Pasta, bursting with the fresh, zesty flavor of ripe tomatoes and a medley of succulent seafood. Enhanced with a creamy rosé sauce, this dish offers a delightful balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Using convenient frozen seafood makes this a quick and impressive meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 cups frozen cut squid
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed seafood (e.g., mussel meat, clam meat, small shrimp)
- 7 frozen shrimp
- 1 bunch oyster mushrooms
- 1 king oyster mushroom
- Sliced garlic
- 3 dried red chilies (or peperoncino)
- 1 Tbsp spicy chili powder (with seeds)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 tsp chicken stock (optional)
- 1 tsp dried herbs (e.g., oregano, basil)
- 2 cups rosé pasta sauce (approx. 400g)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 portions pasta
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To easily peel the tomatoes, score the bottom of each tomato with a shallow cross-shaped cut using a knife. This simple step will make peeling much easier after blanching.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Carefully place the scored tomatoes into the boiling water and blanch for about 3-4 minutes, or until the skins begin to loosen. Remove the tomatoes and rinse them under cool running water. Let them cool slightly before peeling, as they will be hot.
Step 3
Prepare your seafood for the pasta. You’ll need frozen cut squid and frozen mixed seafood. Adding extra frozen shrimp will make the dish even more abundant. If you have a generous amount of mixed seafood, you can omit the extra shrimp. Ensure your seafood is thawed before cooking.
Step 4
Heat a sauté pan or skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Add the sliced garlic, thinly sliced onion (or green onion), and the dried red chilies (lightly crushed if desired). Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and a subtle spicy aroma fills the air, creating a flavorful infused oil.
Step 5
Once the blanched tomatoes have cooled, gently peel off the skins. For a smoother sauce, you can purée the peeled tomatoes in a blender. However, if you enjoy the fresh, slightly chunky texture of tomatoes in your pasta, simply dice or roughly mash them with a spatula directly in the pan. I prefer this texture for a fresher bite.
Step 6
Add the prepared seafood (squid, mixed seafood, shrimp) and sliced oyster mushrooms and king oyster mushrooms to the pan with the fragrant oil. Sauté everything together until the seafood is mostly cooked through and the mushrooms have softened. Feel free to use any other mushrooms you have on hand, like shiitake or button mushrooms.
Step 7
Once the seafood and mushrooms are sautéed, add the peeled and roughly mashed fresh tomatoes to the pan. Continue to cook and stir, allowing the tomatoes to break down and form the base of your sauce. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash them further with your spatula at this stage.
Step 8
Now, season the ingredients. Add salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. For a gentle kick of heat, sprinkle in the spicy chili powder, including the seeds for extra spice. This adds a wonderful warmth to the dish.
Step 9
Pour in the rosé pasta sauce. Using about 2 cups (approximately 400g) will create a rich and creamy sauce that beautifully coats the pasta and seafood. Adjust the amount of sauce to your preference.
Step 10
Add the chicken stock for an extra layer of savory flavor and the 1/2 cup of water. Bring the sauce to a simmer. While the sauce is cooking, boil your pasta in a separate pot according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
Step 11
Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the simmering sauce. This starchy water helps emulsify the sauce, making it glossier and ensuring it adheres beautifully to the pasta.
Step 12
Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the sauce. Don’t worry if your pasta pieces are slightly different shapes or lengths; just use up whatever you have for a generous portion.
Step 13
Toss the pasta and sauce together over medium-high heat until everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened slightly and coated the pasta. The rosé sauce will deepen in color as it cooks. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Step 14
Your delicious Tomato Seafood Pasta with a fresh tomato base and creamy rosé sauce is ready! Enjoy the delightful combination of tender seafood, bright tomatoes, and a hint of spice.
