Sarasota's Creamy Mussels Over Pasta with Herb Bread

Dive into the luxurious flavors of Sarasota's Creamy Mussels Over Pasta with Herb Bread, a restaurant-quality dish that's easy to prepare at home! Succulent fresh mussels are simmered in a luscious white wine and heavy cream sauce, infused with garlic, onion, and a medley of fresh herbs like parsley and basil. This decadent sauce is tossed with tender spaghetti, delivering a perfect balance of richness and freshness. Paired with crispy, golden herb bread made with a hint of rosemary and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is an elegant dinner that's perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a weeknight. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a satisfying fusion of seafood pasta and comforting bread—ideal for lovers of Italian-inspired cuisine. Perfect keywords: creamy mussels, seafood pasta recipe, herb bread, easy dinner ideas, homemade elegant meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh mussels
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
• 1 loaf baguette, sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for herb bread)
• 0.5 teaspoon optional red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the mussels under cold water and remove any debris or beards, discarding any that are cracked or do not close when tapped.

Step 2

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 3

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 6

Add the mussels to the skillet. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes or until all the mussels have opened. Remove and discard any unopened mussels.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with optional red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 9

For the herb bread, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush each slice with olive oil, then sprinkle with chopped rosemary and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 10

Bake the bread for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Step 11

Serve the creamy mussels and pasta immediately with the warm herb bread on the side. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2295.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4968.9

Total Fat 251.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 101.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 894.3mg	0%
Sodium 8257.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 334.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 12.2g
Protein 290.3g	0%

Vitamin D 811.1IU	0%
Calcium 1675.8mg	0%
Iron 48.8mg	0%
Potassium 4313.3mg	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: 47.5%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 28.1%