Seafood Platter Ideas: Tasty Pasta Mixes for Every Occasion

Italian cuisine has a deep connection to seafood, as it was once a staple food source for many Italians. Seafood dishes offer rich flavours that are perfect for a family gathering or a simple, casual dinner. The combination of fresh prawns, calamari, and other delights alongside pasta is truly impressive.

If you're looking for seafood platter ideas, you've come to the right place. Keep reading for inspiration, and cook a seafood platter with pasta that everyone will love!

Spaghetti Fresh Seafood

Don't feel like savouring carbonara or bolognese spaghetti? Try cooking a home made spaghetti with seafood to feel refreshed. Check out our simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 400g spaghetti
• 200g prawns, cleaned and deveined
• 200g calamari, cleaned and sliced
• 150g mussels, cleaned
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 fresh chilli, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Clean and prepare your seafood.
2. Sauté tomatoes in a pan with white wine and chilli until fragrant.
3. Cook your spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
4. Add the seafood to the sautéed mixture and toss in the cooked spaghetti.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tagliatelle Fresh Seafood

If you prefer a slightly different texture—chewier than spaghetti—tagliatelle is the answer. Its texture enhances the seafood-savouring experience. Here's a recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 400g tagliatelle
• 300g mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and squid rings)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. In salted boiling water, cook the tagliatelle until it reaches al dente level.
2. After al dente, drain the tagliatelle and set it aside.
3. In a pan over medium heat, heat olive oil.
4. Add in the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Stir in the mixed seafood and cook until just tender.
6. Add the cherry tomatoes and white wine, simmering until the liquid slightly reduces.
7. Toss the cooked tagliatelle into the pan and stir well.
8. Add lemon zest and juice, stirring to enhance the flavours.
9. Season with pepper and salt, and garnish it with fresh basil and parmesan. For the freshest option, serve it with lemon wedges.

Penne Fresh Seafood

With its ridged surface and hollow centre, Penne is ideal for capturing all the delicious juices and sauces from cooking fresh seafood. Follow our recipe:

Ingredients:

• 250 grams of penne pasta
• 300 grams of mixed fresh seafood
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red chilli (optional)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Boil a large pot of salted water.
2. Add the penne and cook by following the instructions until it becomes al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add minced garlic and chopped onion.
6. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
7. If using red chilli, add it now for a kick of spice.
8. Add the mixed seafood and cook until they start to turn opaque.
9. Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute or two.
10. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
11. Season with salt and black pepper.
12. Simmer until the cherry tomatoes soften and release their juices.
13. Toss the cooked penne into the seafood sauce.
14. Plate the penne and seafood mixture with chopped parsley or basil sprinkles, and you're ready to go!

Ricotta Gnocchi Fresh Seafood

The light, airy homemade gnocchi complements the natural sweetness of seafood, while the creaminess of the ricotta adds a rich, comforting layer to the dish. Want some bite? Recook with this seafood platter recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g of homemade gnocchi
• Fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 cup gluten-free flour
• Pinch of salt
• 250g shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 200g scallops
• 200g mussels, cleaned
• 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1-2 red chilli peppers, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix fresh ricotta, gluten-free flour, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until the mixture forms soft, slightly sticky dough.
2. Roll your dough into a thin rope, cut it into pieces, and shape each piece using a fork.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté shrimp, scallops, and mussels until nearly cooked, then set aside.
4. Using the same pan, add your diced tomatoes and chilli peppers and sauté until softened.
5. Pour in white wine (if using) and simmer to reduce.
6. Return seafood to the skillet, stir in fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook until the sauce blends well and the seafood is fully done.
8. Boil salted water, drop in the gnocchi, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float.
9. Plate the ricotta gnocchi and spoon the seafood sauce over them. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Potato Gnocchi Fresh Seafood

Do you prefer the simplicity of the OG homemade potato gnocchi? You can skip the ricotta and only go with the seafood. Let's cook this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g homemade potato gnocchi
• 250g mixed fresh seafood
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1-2 fresh red chilli peppers, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), poke potatoes with a fork, and bake them for 45 minutes until soft.
2. Cool slightly, peel, and mash the potatoes.
3. Mix in salt and gradually add flour to form a soft dough.
4. Roll into ropes, cut into pieces, and shape with a fork.
5. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet and sauté garlic.
6. Add seafood, cooking until opaque.
7. Pour in white wine and let it simmer.
8. Add chilli, tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens.
9. Boil salted water, and cook the gnocchi until they float, about 2-3 minutes.
10. Serve gnocchi topped with the seafood sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Spaghetti Garlic Prawns

Garlic enhances the natural sweetness of prawns, adding a rich, savoury depth to spaghetti. It's a simple but classic combination with creamy, tangy flavours. Here's how to cook it:

Ingredients:

• 400g spaghetti
• 300g prawns, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon chicken stock powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add prawns and cook until pink.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard and chicken stock powder.
5. Add lemon juice and a splash of pasta water, allowing the sauce to blend.
6. Toss in the cooked spaghetti.
7. Mix in grated parmesan and fresh parsley, then season it with salt and black pepper.
8. Serve it hot, and garnish it with extra parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tagliatelle Garlic Prawns

This creamy tagliatelle garlic prawns recipe is simple yet indulgent. The garlic butter, lemon, and creamy sauce blend perfectly with the tender cooked prawns, creating a comforting dish that's easy to prepare. Check out this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 400g tagliatelle (or homemade tagliatelle)
• 300g prawns, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cake wheat flour
• 1/2 cup fresh cream (or milk)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the tagliatelle in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add the prawns and cook until they turn pink.
5. Stir in the cake wheat flour to form a light roux.
6. Slowly add the fresh cream (or milk), stirring to combine into a smooth sauce.
7. Add lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce thicken.
8. Season with black pepper and salt.
9. Toss in the cooked tagliatelle, mixing well with the creamy garlic sauce.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Penne Garlic Prawns

To add a twist to your penne pasta, combine heat and herbs and feel a kick in your pasta dishes! Check out how to make one:

Ingredients:

• 400g penne pasta
• 300g prawns, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Chilli flakes (to taste for heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
4. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Stir in paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and chilli flakes.
6. Add the prawns and cook until they turn pink.
7. Toss in the cooked penne, combining it with the spicy garlic prawn mixture.
8. Season with salt, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Ricotta Gnocchi Garlic Prawns 

This simple yet delicious recipe combines the soft and lightness of ricotta gnocchi with garlic prawns in a creamy, flavourful sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal! Want to recook it? Read this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g homemade ricotta gnocchi
• 300g prawns, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup peas
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup cooking cream
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• Lime juice
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Pepper
• Salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Mix ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
2. Set aside to make the gnocchi if not already done.
3. Cook the ricotta gnocchi in salted boiling water until they float to the surface, then drain and set aside.
4. Melt unsalted butter in a large pan over medium heat.
5. Add minced garlic and prawns, cooking until the prawns turn pink. Then, toss in some lime juice for added zest.
6. Add tomatoes and peas to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
7. Pour in the cooking cream and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
8. Toss the cooked ricotta gnocchi into the pan and gently stir to coat with the creamy sauce.
9. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Potato Gnocchi Garlic Prawns

This quick and easy potato gnocchi with garlic prawns recipe combines buttery sage flavours with a light, tangy twist from verjuice, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 500g potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 300g prawns, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6-8 fresh sage leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup verjuice
• Sea salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi in salted boiling water until the gnocchi floats, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, melt butter and EVOO over medium heat.
3. Add sage leaves and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
4. Add prawns and cook until the prawns turn pink.
5. Pour in the verjuice and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
6. Toss the cooked gnocchi into the pan, combining with the garlic prawns and sage butter.
7. Season with sea salt and garnish with fresh parsley.

Our compilation of seafood platter ideas above can be your next meal. You'll understand why Italian dishes pair well with seafood, from spaghetti to gnocchi. You can also use other seafood options for the above recipes, such as crab, oyster, lobster, or smoked salmon.

If you don't like the hassle of pasta cooking and preparing the food, you can enjoy our best version of seafood platter ideas at Piccolino Woodfired Pizza and Homemade Pasta. So, are you ready for an authentic Italian dining experience? Book now!

‍