Name: Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large onion, diced; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ cup dry white wine; 4 cups seafood or fish stock; 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes; ½ pound firm white fish (like cod), cut into chunks; 1 pound mussels, cleaned; 1 pound clams, cleaned; ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Craving a dish that warms your soul and transports you straight to the Italian coastline? This Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew does exactly that. With its fragrant tomato broth, tender shrimp, mussels, clams, and chunks of fish, it’s a one-pot wonder that brings the flavors of the sea to your dinner table.

Each spoonful is a celebration of textures and tastes—from the slight heat of red pepper flakes to the freshness of parsley and the briny goodness of seafood. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering, this stew is both rustic and luxurious.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To craft this Italian masterpiece, you’ll need a few key tools:

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven: Essential for even heat distribution and allowing the stew to simmer without scorching.
Sharp chef’s knife: For prepping aromatics like garlic and onion, as well as chopping fresh herbs.
Seafood tongs or slotted spoon: Helps gently handle delicate seafood without breaking it.
Ladle: For serving the stew into bowls without spilling that precious broth.

Each tool plays a vital role in making sure your stew cooks evenly and your seafood stays tender and beautifully presented.

Ingredients for the Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew

Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base and helps soften the aromatics.
Garlic & onion: Build the aromatic backbone of the stew.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat that lifts the seafood flavors.
White wine: Deglazes the pot and brings acidity to balance the richness.
Seafood or fish stock: Deepens the oceanic taste and forms the stew’s foundation.
Canned tomatoes: Offer body and sweetness to the broth.
Shrimp, mussels, clams, firm white fish: The star players, bringing varied textures and briny flavors.
Fresh parsley & basil: Brighten the final dish with herbal freshness.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.

How To Make the Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a heavy pot, then sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Add canned tomatoes and seafood stock. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Seafood

Start with the firm fish, followed by mussels and clams. Cover and cook until shells open. Finally, add the shrimp and cook until pink and just opaque.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Taste for salt and pepper. Stir in chopped parsley and basil. Ladle into bowls, garnish with more herbs, and serve with crusty bread.

Serving and Storing the Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew

Serve this stew piping hot in wide bowls, accompanied by toasted rustic bread or garlic crostini to soak up every drop of the rich broth. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of extra herbs elevates each bowl. For storing, let leftovers cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the seafood.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I avoid overcooking the seafood?

Add the seafood in stages, starting with the firmest and ending with delicate pieces like shrimp, and stop cooking as soon as they turn opaque.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes! Thaw it fully before adding to the pot and pat dry to prevent watering down the broth.

What can I substitute for white wine?

Use seafood stock or vegetable broth with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

How spicy is this stew?

It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust to taste or leave them out for a milder version.

Can I make it ahead?

It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the broth a day in advance and add the seafood just before serving.

Want More Italian Seafood Ideas?

If you love the flavors of this stew, you might also enjoy the Louisiana Seafood Gumbo for a Southern twist on seafood comfort. Or, dive into Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a rich, cheesy seafood bake.

For a lighter option, check out the Shrimp Burrito Bowls packed with fresh toppings and zest. If creamy soups are your thing, the Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup will warm you right up, and for a hearty Italian classic, don’t miss the Rigatoni Bolognese.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your seafood recipe boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you go heavy on the herbs? Add extra spice? Leave a comment below. And for even more daily recipe inspiration, visit my Pinterest at LadyPlate on Pinterest.

Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew is a soul-warming dish packed with tender shrimp, mussels, clams, and fish in a fragrant tomato broth. With a slight heat kick, herbal brightness, and briny goodness, it’s perfect for a cozy night or an elegant dinner party.