Seafood pasta is one of those dishes that for some, always seems like a good idea at first, but the idea of cleaning and de-boning the fish intimidates and turns people off. So, on that note, here are some ideas that require minimal effort but reap maximum results.
Mussels, shrimp, and clams
If you're a seafood pasta novice, these four fish varieties are the best place to start. Clams are super-easy because all you have to do is sauté them in oil and garlic in a pan with the lid on. Though take care to soak the clams for at least 20 minutes in fresh water before cooking them to remove any remaining sand grains from their shells.
The same goes for mussels, but you have to scrub them first with paper towels or a brush to remove the outer residue – scrape the shell well. Many fish markets, though, offer ready-to-cook varieties.
Shrimp are also easy to clean – remove the shell and the outer black vein.
If you're still honing your fish cleaning skills, maybe hold off on fish with bones and spines, such as mullet. Instead, go for tuna, swordfish, or salmon fillets. Cut the fish into cubes then pan fry the pieces with cherry tomatoes for a simple pasta sauce.
As for cuttlefish, octopus, and squid, we suggest buying ones that have already been cleaned. Pay attention when cooking – they can easily become too rubbery to eat.
The secret's in the cooking
Fish is relatively easy to prepare – the secret is the cooking method. Fish sauces only need to cook for a short time and they must always be brothy enough to cover the al dente pasta. Pasta with clams, for example, is drained just a few minutes beforehand, then sautéed in a pan with the clam sauce to release the starch for a creamier sauce. Some people add flour as a thickener, but many Italians consider that a crime against pasta.
If instead of pasta, you prepare couscous, popular in Sicilian cuisine, or fregola, a staple of Sardinian cuisine, cook it in the pan with the brothy sauce.
Should you have any doubts about fish and pasta pairing, opt for gnocchi. You cook it in the pan with the fish sauce for just one minute before serving.
Check out the above gallery for some recipe ideas.