Mussels Marinara

5 from 3 votes

Enjoy a restaurant quality dinner at home with an easy to prepare recipe for Mussels Marinara.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, entree

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: mussel marinara, mussels in marinara, mussels in red sauce, mussels marinara, mussels marinara recipe

Servings:

Calories: 319kcal

In a large stock pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. When the oil just begins to shimmer add the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, ½ cup diced onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Add the wine to the pot and continue cooking over medium high heat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. The wine will be reduced by about half.
½ cup red wine such as Pinot Noir or Merlot
Add the canned diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce and stir to combine.
1 14-ounce canned diced tomatoes, 1 14-ounce canned tomato sauce
Add the mussels and stir to combine with the tomatoes. Cover the pot and cook until the mussels have just opened. The cooking time should be about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the butter and stir to melt. Discard any unopened mussels.
4 pounds mussels, 2 tablespoons salted butter
Spoon mussels and broth into large bowls, sprinkle with basil and serve.
8 to 10 large fresh basil leaves

Give the mussels a rinse in a colander under cold water. Give any shells a squeeze if they are open (see the photo above). If they close, they are fresh and good to cook. Set them aside until ready to cook them.
This is a one pot meal so that is a bonus!
After sautéing the onion, garlic and red pepper flakes, the sauce gets some rich flavor from red wine. Be sure to reduce it to intensify its flavor.
Both canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce give the sauce added flavor and texture.
Mussels cook quickly - in about 6 to 8 minutes. They are ready when the shells have opened.