This mussel pasta recipe is so flavorful, and the step by step directions so easy, they will ensure perfect results everytime. If you’re looking for a great pasta with mussels* recipe, you’ve found it!
Get yourself some fresh mussels, good quality tomatoes and pasta, a handful of olives, an anchovy and you’re on your way to a super delicious mussel pasta meal!
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*Those of you in California, please read this article for safety’s sake.
As with any seafood pasta dish, the quality of the seafood is critical. If your seafood isn’t fresh and tasty, your final dish won’t be either. Check out the tips on my wonderful cioppino recipe, which also includes mussels.
Many people enjoy French and Belgian mussel recipes, but the Italians are very well versed in seafood dishes, including mussels. If you think about it, practically the entire country is on, or near the sea; and then there’s Sardinia and Sicily!

Are Mussels Difficult to Cook?
No, mussels are super easy to cook! Just follow a few simple tips and you’ll be totally comfortable cooking them in no time.
How do I Prepare Mussels for a Recipe?
Just scrub mussels with a brush to remove any debris, and remove the “beards” (sometimes there are stringy bits hanging out, just pull them toward the back of the mussel to detach them). If any are open, tap them gently and if they shut, they are fine. If they won’t close, discard them (they’re dead). Rinse under cold running water and they’re ready to cook!
It’s not the prettiest recipe on my site, but the flavor is fabulous!

Mussel Pasta
(Italian Recipe with Tomatoes and Olives)
adapted from an Il Cucchiaio D’Argento recipe serves 2
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Prepare the Mussels
Scrub the mussels under cold, running water and remove the beards (pull towards the back of the mussel). If any are open, tap them sharply, and if they close, they are fine. If they do not close, discard them.
Cook the Mussels
Place two tablespoonfuls of oil in a sauté pan over high heat. Add the mussels, cover, then cook for about 4 to 5 minutes.
While they cook, shake the pan from time to time until the mussels open.
Remove the mussels with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl (discard any that did not open). Reserve a few mussels in their shells for serving, and remove the rest from their shells. Use an empty shell like tongs to pluck the mussels out. Set aside both bowls of mussels.
Prepare the Mussel Pasta Sauce

Melt the butter and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat, then add the garlic, black olives, anchovy and parsley.
Increase the heat, then add the tomato sauce and two tablespoonfuls of water, salt and pepper.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile…
Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to salted water that is at a rolling boil, and cook according to the directions on the package (to al dente).
Serve the Mussel Pasta
When the pasta is ready, toss the shelled mussels into the sauce. Taste the tomato base and add seasoning as needed.
Then add the pasta using a fork (don’t drain the pasta, just take it from the water and place directly into the sauce).
Toss the spaghetti and sauce gently and if too dry, add some of the pasta water. Place in a serving bowl to serve, or directly into dishes, then add the reserved mussels in their shells on top.
Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Pasta with Mussels Recipe
A traditional Italian pasta recipe using mussels and tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb live mussels (about 2 dozen medium size)
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 large clove of garlic
- 1 small anchovy
- 2 oz (½ cup) black olives, measured then chopped
- 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
- 6 oz (¾ c) tomato puree (passata)
- 6 oz spaghetti or other long shape (bucatini, linguini)
- Kosher or sea salt
- black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Mussels
- Scrub the mussels under cold, running water and remove the beards (pull towards the back of the mussel).
- If any are open, tap them sharply, and if they close, they are fine. If they do not close, discard them.
Cook the Mussels
- Place two tablespoonfuls of oil in a sauté pan over high heat. Add the mussels, cover, then cook for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- While they cook, shake the pan from time to time until the mussels open.
- Remove the mussels with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl (discard any that did not open). Reserve a few mussels in their shells for serving, and remove the rest from their shells. Use an empty shell like tongs to pluck the mussels out. Set aside both bowls of mussels.
Prepare the Mussel Pasta Sauce
- Melt the butter and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat, then add the garlic, black olives, anchovy and parsley.
- Increase the heat, then add the tomato sauce and two tablespoonfuls of water, salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile...
Cook the Pasta
- Add the pasta to salted water that is at a rolling boil.
- Cook according to the directions on the package (to al dente).
Serve the Mussel Pasta
- When the pasta is ready, toss the shelled mussels into the sauce. Taste the tomato base and add seasoning as needed.
- Then add the pasta using a fork (don't drain the pasta, just take it from the water and place directly into the sauce).
- Toss the spaghetti and sauce gently and if too dry, add some of the pasta water. Place in a serving bowl to serve, or directly into dishes then add the reserved mussels in their shells on top.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 625Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 446mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 27g
Nutrition information is only estimated.
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Your recipe sounds fabulous! I pinned it so that I can easily find it again when fresh mussels are available for sale. Thanks!
[…] Mussel pasta: This mussel pasta recipe is so flavourful, and the step by step directions so easy, they will ensure perfect results every time. If you’re looking for a great pasta with mussels’ recipe, you’ve found it! And no better way to start the night than to serve up some classic prawn cocktail. Let’s make this seafood meal a night to remember! […]
I am drooling. I don’t know why I don’t cook with mussels more. This recipe inspires me to look for some good quality mussels.
Entered! This recipe sounds absolutely delectable. This is my dad’s all time favorite type of dish and he’ll be getting this one very soon. :-) ~Valentina
Sounds fabulous, Christina! It’s just a little different than the one I got in Vernazza (it didn’t have the olives, anchovies, or garlic) but I definitely want to try add at least the first two! It also had some basil as a minor flavoring. Love the love I and anchovy addition — must give it a really deeper flavor.
Yes, all you’d have to do is skip the garlic! I love Il Cucchiaio d’Argento recipes!
And, what do you know – I was one of the 21 winners! They are working to set up our dinner now! :) Thanks!
OMG!! Congratulations, David!!! I had no idea since I’ve not heard anything! So happy to know you won!! Yay! :)
Funny, I never enter contest much… but have twice on your site and won both times!! I should play the lottery using your birthday as my numbers!
Haha! That’s amazing, David! Glad to be your source of good luck!