This seafood linguine is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines shrimp, calamari, and mussels in a rich, saffron-infused tomato sauce with a hint of chili heat. The seafood is simmered in a broth made from shrimp shells, white wine, and fragrant herbs, creating layers of deep, savory flavors. Tossed with linguine, this dish is perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent dinner with a taste of the sea.
1 pound large shrimp (heads intact, unpeeled)
About 5 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
1 leek, quartered
2 large bay leaves
A few peppercorns
1 lemon, 1/2 sliced
About 2 cups chicken stock
A pinch saffron threads
3 shallots, finely chopped
4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato paste
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons (2/3 palmful) chili flakes or
1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste
1/2 cup dry vermouth
or white wine
2 tablespoons butter
1 28-ounce can crushed Italian tomatoes
About 1/2 pound calamari bodies, cut into 1/4-inch rings
18 mussels, cleaned
1 pound linguini
Clean, peel and devein the shrimp saving the heads and shells.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon EVOO in a saucepot and toast the shrimp shells and heads. Add leek, bay leaves, peppercorns and a couple of slices of lemon. Cover with stock and add saffron threads. Bring to boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Reduce by half.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of EVOO, 2 turns of the pan. Add shrimp and sear 1 minute on each side then remove from pan. Dress shrimp with lemon juice from remaining half lemon. Return pan to heat, add 2 tablespoons more EVOO, shallots and garlic, and swirl or stir 2 minutes. Add tomato paste, thyme, sugar and chili flakes or chili paste, stir a minute more and add dry vermouth or wine.
Strain saffron-shrimp stock and add to pan then swirl in butter to melt. Stir tomatoes into sauce and bring to a simmer. Add mussels, calamari and shrimp then cover and cook 7-8 minutes to open mussels and cook shrimp through.
While seafood cooks, cook linguine in salted boiling water to al dente, reserve 1/2 cup cooking water then drain.
Toss pasta with sauce and starchy cooking water, transfer to serving platter and serve.
