How to Make the Best Seafood Linguine for Christmas and Thanksgiving

Seafood Linguine Recipe is a perfect holiday dish that combines fresh seafood with tender pasta for Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations. It offers a lighter, elegant alternative to traditional heavy holiday meals. This dish showcases flavors from shrimp, scallops, and mussels tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce without using pork, salami, or alcohol. Instead, we use vegetable broth and lemon juice for depth and brightness. It’s simple enough for busy holiday cooking but impressive enough to serve to family and friends, making it a festive centerpiece that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Linguine Recipe

You’ll love this seafood linguine because it’s both delicious and nutritious, featuring lean seafood packed with omega-3s and vitamins. Unlike many holiday dishes, it’s light but still satisfying, with bright flavors from garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. The recipe is alcohol-free and easy to customize, allowing you to add your favorite seafood or veggies. Plus, it’s great for sharing, encouraging a warm, communal holiday meal that feels special without extra stress in the kitchen.

For this seafood linguine, you’ll need fresh shrimp, scallops, and mussels, plus linguine pasta. Garlic, shallots, and parsley add great flavor, while vegetable broth and lemon juice replace wine to keep it light and festive. A touch of heavy cream makes the sauce silky. Here’s the quick list for 4 servings:

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled
• ½ lb scallops
• ½ lb mussels, cleaned
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• Salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes

How to Make Seafood Linguine Recipe

1. Cook linguine until al dente; save ½ cup pasta water.
2. Sauté garlic and shallot in olive oil.
3. Add shrimp and scallops, cook 2-3 mins per side. Add mussels, cover and cook until they open.
4. Pour in broth and lemon juice; simmer 3-4 mins. Stir in cream, season to taste.
5. Toss pasta in sauce, adding pasta water if needed.
6. Sprinkle parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges.

You Must Know for Seafood Linguine Recipe

Fresh seafood is key—use fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp, scallops, and mussels. Clean mussels well and discard any that don’t close. Don’t overcook seafood to keep it tender. Save some pasta water to help the sauce stick to the pasta. Since there’s no alcohol, lemon juice and veggie broth add essential brightness and flavor.

Perfecting the Cooking Process for Seafood Linguine Recipe

Cook pasta first so everything’s ready together. Sauté garlic and shallots on medium heat to avoid bitterness. Add seafood in order: shrimp and scallops first, then mussels covered to steam open. Simmer broth and lemon gently, then stir in cream off heat to keep it smooth. Toss pasta with sauce last, using pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Finish with fresh parsley for flavor and color.

Add Your Touch

Make this seafood linguine your own by adding extra veggies like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for more color and nutrition. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can add new flavor twists. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Feel free to adjust lemon juice and seasoning to suit your taste.

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Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce—avoid microwave reheating, which can toughen the seafood. If you have a lot leftover, it’s best to eat it fresh for the best texture and flavor, but careful reheating works well for quick meals.

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Chef’s Helpful Tips

To get the best seafood linguine, always start with fresh ingredients and don’t rush the cooking. Keep your heat medium to avoid burning garlic or overcooking seafood. Clean your mussels well and discard any that stay open before cooking. Use pasta water to adjust sauce texture—it helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles. If you like more flavor, add a splash of lemon zest or fresh herbs right before serving.

FAQ

Q: Can I use other types of seafood?
A: Absolutely! Shrimp, scallops, and mussels work best, but you can add clams, crab meat, or fish chunks.

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Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: Use coconut cream or a splash of full-fat milk for a lighter option.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, just swap linguine for gluten-free pasta.

Q: How long does it take to prepare?
A: About 30-35 minutes from start to finish.

Conclusion

Seafood linguine is a delicious and elegant dish perfect for holiday celebrations like Christmas and Thanksgiving. It’s light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, offering a fresh alternative to traditional heavy holiday meals. Using fresh seafood and simple ingredients, this recipe brings warmth and festivity to your table without alcohol or pork products. With its bright lemony sauce and tender seafood, it’s sure to become a new favorite for your family gatherings. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this seafood linguine recipe is approachable and adaptable—ready to impress your guests and make your holidays extra special.