Mussels with Pesto and Tomatoes

Elevate your seafood repertoire with this vibrant recipe for Mussels with Pesto and Tomatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish combines tender, briny mussels with the bold flavors of pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and dry white wine. A hint of garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes bring depth and gentle heat, while fresh basil lends a delightful burst of herbaceous aroma. Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish, this one-pan recipe makes cleanup a breeze. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful broth—a true Mediterranean-inspired delight. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, this mussel recipe is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cups dry white wine
• 0.25 cups store-bought pesto sauce
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 loaf crusty bread, for serving

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the pesto sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Add the mussels to the pan and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the mussels open. Discard any mussels that do not open.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 9

Garnish with additional chopped basil and serve the mussels immediately with crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1945.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3526.1

Total Fat 116.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 517.1mg	0%
Sodium 8030.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 338.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 20.9g
Protein 265.8g	0%

Vitamin D 811.1IU	0%
Calcium 1127.7mg	0%
Iron 51.5mg	0%
Potassium 4684.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.2%

Protein: 30.7%

Carbs: 39.1%