If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and impressive seafood dish, this Spaghetti Pasta with Green-Lipped Mussels is the perfect choice. With tender mussels, a rich tomato sauce, and fresh herbs, this dish is both comforting and elegant. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Spaghetti Pasta with Green-Lipped Mussels Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the sweet, briny flavor of green-lipped mussels with a vibrant tomato sauce and aromatic herbs. The pasta soaks up all the delicious juices from the mussels, creating a naturally rich, seafood-forward meal. It’s not only simple to prepare but also feels restaurant-quality on the plate. Serve it as a main course or alongside a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients:

20 live green-lipped mussels (8–10 per person)
1 medium brown onion, finely sliced
¼ cup olive oil
1 fresh or 2 dried bay leaves
1 green capsicum, deseeded and roughly sliced
1 tsp garlic salt
1 x 400 g tin chopped Italian tomatoes
1 tsp honey (optional, to taste)
Salt, to taste
1 handful fresh mint, roughly torn
1 handful fresh parsley, roughly torn
200–250 g spaghetti pasta

(Tip: Adjust the quantity of pasta or mussels depending on appetite.)

Directions

1. Clean the Mussels

Place mussels in a bowl of salted water to keep them closed and fresh. Scrub the shells to remove barnacles or debris, and remove the beard by pulling it toward you. Keep mussels in the salted water until ready to cook.

2. Prepare the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.
Add the sliced onions and bay leaves, sautéing until fragrant and soft.
Add the sliced capsicum and garlic salt; cook until the onions are translucent.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and honey. Rinse the tomato tin with a few tablespoons of water to capture all the juices.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and fold in the fresh mint and parsley.

3. Cook the Mussels

Add the cleaned mussels to the sauce in batches, stirring gently. Cover with a lid and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until all mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open.

4. Cook the Spaghetti

Meanwhile, boil water in a separate pot with 1 tablespoon each of salt and olive oil. Cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions until al dente, then drain.

5. Serve

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the tomato-mussel sauce. Serve the mussels on top, either in their shells or removed for easier eating. Optionally, drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle more herbs for a fresh finish.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2 people

Variations

Extra herbs: Add basil or oregano for a different herbal note.
Spicy twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a gentle heat.
More vegetables: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for additional texture and nutrition.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Best eaten fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Freezing: Not recommended for long-term freezing, as the pasta may lose texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of mussels?
Yes, you can substitute with other fresh mussels, but green-lipped mussels have a naturally sweet flavor that works best.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead, but it’s best to cook the mussels fresh to preserve their texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free spaghetti if needed.
Can I serve it as a main course for more people?
Absolutely! Increase the mussels and pasta proportionally to serve more guests.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti Pasta with Green-Lipped Mussels is a quick, flavorful, and elegant seafood meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender mussels, vibrant tomato sauce, and fresh herbs create a dish that’s both satisfying and visually stunning. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s a recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen without the fuss. Serve it fresh and enjoy a delicious taste of the sea!