Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew

Name: Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined; 200g mussels, cleaned; 200g calamari, sliced; 200g white fish fillets, cut into chunks; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups fish stock; 1 cup white wine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

This Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew is a delightful blend of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and a robust tomato-based broth, perfect for warming your soul on a chilly day.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-11T18:41:05.543Z

This stew is a family recipe passed down through generations, capturing the essence of Italian coastal cooking. With every spoonful, you can taste the love and tradition that goes into this dish.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful mix of fresh seafood and savory flavors
Hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner
Easy to make yet impressively delicious

      

The Perfect Comfort Food

When the weather turns chilly, nothing warms the heart quite like a steaming bowl of seafood stew. This Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew brings together the fresh flavors of the ocean with the comforting essence of home-cooked meals. The aromatic herbs and spices create a fragrant broth that envelops the seafood, making each spoonful a delightful experience. Whether you're enjoying it on a quiet evening or sharing it with loved ones, this stew is sure to evoke warm memories and happy gatherings.

The combination of shrimp, mussels, calamari, and white fish not only delivers a variety of textures but also offers a rich source of nutrients. Packed with protein and healthy fats, seafood is known for its numerous health benefits, including heart health and improved brain function. So, when you indulge in this hearty stew, you can feel good about nourishing your body while enjoying an incredibly flavorful meal.

A Versatile Dish

One of the best aspects of this Italian Seafood Stew is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite seafood or vegetables. Consider incorporating scallops, clams, or even seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach to enhance the stew's flavor and nutrition. This adaptability makes it a fantastic option for using up leftover seafood or whatever you have on hand, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen.

Additionally, this seafood stew can be served in various ways. For a more filling meal, serve it over a bed of fresh pasta or alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice. Alternatively, keep it classic and serve it with crusty bread for dipping, allowing you to soak up every last bit of the flavorful broth. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this stew is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Tips for Success

Ingredients

Seafood

200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
200g mussels, cleaned
200g calamari, sliced
200g white fish fillets, cut into chunks

Vegetables

1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fish stock
1 cup white wine

Herbs and Spices

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Make sure to prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Prepare the Base

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Tomatoes and Wine

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, and cook for about 3 minutes. Pour in the white wine, allowing it to simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes.

Incorporate the Stock

Add the fish stock, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Add the Seafood

Add the shrimp, mussels, calamari, and white fish to the pot. Cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened.

Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious seafood stew with friends and family!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the stew beautifully, balancing the meal perfectly. You might also want to serve it with a side of garlic bread, allowing guests to savor the broth to its fullest.

For a complete dining experience, consider offering a selection of wines that pair well with seafood. A chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, can enhance the flavors of your stew and create a delightful culinary pairing. Don't forget to provide guests with plenty of napkins, as this stew is meant to be savored!

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing this seafood stew is simple. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, keep in mind that seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume leftovers as soon as possible for optimal flavor and texture.

To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid bringing it to a rapid boil, as this can overcook the seafood. If the stew has thickened too much, feel free to add a splash of fish stock or water to achieve your desired consistency. This careful reheating will ensure your seafood stew remains delicious and satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, frozen seafood works well in this recipe. Just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking.

→ What can I serve with the stew?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad are great accompaniments.

→ Can I make this stew ahead of time?

You can prepare the base of the stew ahead of time and add the seafood just before serving.

→ Is this stew suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well, but it's best to add the seafood fresh to maintain texture.