20 mins
25 mins
Serves 2

Spaghetti with Mussels, Tricolored Tomatoes and Romesco Cream Sauce


Romesco sauce is a flavourful Spanish-style pesto made with roasted red peppers and almonds. It makes a wonderful addition to pasta sauces and pairs nicely with seafood.
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Ingredients

  • 1/3 pkg Italpasta Total Spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cup mussels
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 shallot / small onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 3 tbsp whipping cream (35%)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil

Romesco Sauce

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red pepper, jarred, roasted, chopped
  • 2 tbsp almonds, toasted
  • 1 tsp sherry vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 pinch paprika
  • 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Scrub mussels, if needed, and remove any beards. Discard any mussels with cracked shells or any that do not close when tapped.
  • Toss together grape tomatoes, olive oil, 1 tsp (5 mL) thyme, salt and pepper; bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until blistered. Set aside.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in Dutch oven or large saucepan set over medium heat; cook shallot and remaining thyme for about 1 minute or until softened. Stir in tomato paste; cook for 1 minute. Stir in wine and cream; bring to boil. Cook for 2 minutes.

Romesco Sauce

  • Meanwhile, in food processor, mix together red peppers, almonds, oil, vinegar, garlic, paprika and cayenne until combined.
  • Stir Romesco sauce into cream sauce; return to boil. Stir in mussels; cover and cook for about 5 minutes or until mussels open. Discard any mussels that do not open.
  • Toss pasta with mussels and sauce. Spoon reserved roasted tomatoes over top; sprinkle with basil.
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Tips

Omit cream and substitute tomato sauce for a lighter dish, if desired.

Nutritional Analysis

Calories: 670kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 20gFat: 39gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 810mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6g