How to Make the Best Seafood Pasta: Linguine allo Scoglio

How to Make the Best Seafood Pasta: Linguine allo Scoglio is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $38.67 total, $9.67 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Little Neck Clams (scrubbed, beards removed)
  • 1 lb Mussels (cleaned, beards removed if present)
  • 1 lb Extra Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 0.5 lb Squid Tubes (Body) (cut into ½‑inch rounds, no tentacles)
  • 0.25 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for sautéing)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1.25 lb Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 cup Dry White Wine (use a crisp, dry variety)
  • 1 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped, divided)
  • 1 tsp Fresh Thyme
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 8 oz Clam Juice (bottled)
  • 4 Anchovy Fillets (minced)
  • 1 lb Linguine (dry)
  • 1 tbsp Table Salt (for pasta water)
  • 2 tsp Lemon Zest (freshly grated)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seafood

    Rinse the little‑neck clams and mussels, removing any beards. Peel and devein the shrimp using seafood scissors or a small knife. Cut the squid tubes into ½‑inch rounds. Set everything aside in separate bowls.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté aromatics

    Heat ¼ cup extra‑virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium‑high heat until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic and ¼ tsp red‑pepper flakes; stir for 30‑60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  3. Steam the clams

    Add the little‑neck clams, cover the pot, and let them steam for about 4 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally for even cooking.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  4. Add mussels

    Without removing the clams, add the mussels, replace the lid, and steam an additional 4 minutes until the mussels open.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Reserve the shellfish broth

    Using a slotted spoon, transfer the opened clams and mussels to a bowl, keeping the cooking liquid in the pot. Cover the bowl with foil to keep warm.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Build the tomato‑wine sauce

    To the pot, add half of the halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 cup dry white wine, ½ cup chopped parsley, 1 tsp fresh thyme, ½ tsp salt, the 8 oz clam juice, and the minced anchovies. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let the sauce cook for about 10 minutes, or until it has reduced by roughly one‑third and thickened.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Cook the linguine

    Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil, add 1 tbsp table salt, and cook 1 lb linguine for 7 minutes (just shy of al dente).

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: high

  8. Reserve pasta water and drain

    Reserve about ½ cup of the hot pasta cooking water, then drain the linguine in a colander.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Combine pasta with sauce

    Add the drained linguine to the tomato‑wine sauce, tossing to coat. Cook together for 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to release starch and thicken the sauce.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  10. Add shrimp

    Stir the peeled shrimp into the pot, cover, and cook on medium‑low for about 4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium‑low

  11. Add squid and remaining tomatoes

    Add the sliced squid, the remaining halved cherry tomatoes, another ½ cup chopped parsley, and 2 tsp lemon zest. Cook, uncovered, for 2 minutes until the squid is just cooked through.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑low

  12. Re‑heat clams and mussels

    Return the reserved clams and mussels to the pot, cover, and let sit for 2 minutes to warm through.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Finish and serve

    Turn off the heat, drizzle a little extra‑virgin olive oil over the top, give a final gentle toss, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten (contains wheat), Dairy‑free

Allergens: Shellfish, Fish (anchovies), Wheat (pasta)

Last updated: March 15, 2026

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How to Make the Best Seafood Pasta: Linguine allo Scoglio

Recipe by America's Test Kitchen

A light, bright Italian seafood linguine featuring clams, mussels, shrimp and squid in a fresh tomato‑white wine sauce. The recipe uses batch cooking so each type of seafood is added at its optimal time, resulting in perfectly tender shellfish and perfectly coated pasta.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
36m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$38.67
Total cost
$9.67
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cleaning and debearding clams and mussels; discard any that do not open.
  • Timing the addition of each seafood type so that each cooks perfectly.
  • Reducing the tomato‑wine sauce by one‑third to achieve the right consistency.
  • Adding shrimp and squid at the end to prevent overcooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Ensure clams and mussels are fresh; discard any that remain closed after cooking.
  • Handle raw seafood with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a safe distance while sautéing garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Linguine alla Scala in Italian cuisine?

A

Linguine alla Scala is a lesser‑known coastal Italian dish that showcases the bounty of the sea with a light tomato‑white‑wine sauce. It originates from the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts where fishermen would combine the day’s catch with simple pantry staples, creating a bright, quick‑cook pasta that celebrates regional seafood.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Linguine alla Scala in Italian cuisine?

A

In the Ligurian region the sauce may feature basil and a splash of pesto, while in the Campania area extra olives and capers are added for brininess. Some versions replace the white wine with a splash of local limoncello for a citrus note.

cultural
Q

How is Linguine alla Scala traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is typically served family‑style in a shallow bowl, garnished with a generous handful of fresh parsley, a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil, and a wedge of lemon on the side. The dish is enjoyed as a main course for lunch or dinner, often with a crisp white wine.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Linguine alla Scala traditionally enjoyed in Italian coastal towns?

A

The dish is popular for casual family meals, seaside festivals, and as a celebratory plate after a day of fishing. It is also served at summer gatherings and during the feast of Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen.

cultural
Q

How does Linguine alla Scala fit into the broader Italian seafood pasta tradition?

A

It exemplifies the Italian principle of letting high‑quality ingredients shine with minimal cooking. Compared with heavier marinara‑based seafood pastas, Linguine alla Scala uses a light broth‑based sauce that lets the natural sweetness of clams, mussels, shrimp and squid stand out.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Linguine alla Scala versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include little‑neck clams, mussels, extra‑large shrimp, squid tubes, fresh cherry tomatoes, dry white wine, and fresh parsley. Substitutes can be other shellfish (e.g., cockles), large shrimp or prawns, calamari rings, canned diced tomatoes, and chicken broth with a splash of vinegar in place of wine.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Linguine alla Scala?

A

A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled polenta, or a crisp white wine such as Verdicchio complement the bright flavors. For a fuller meal, serve with a side of roasted fennel or a classic Caprese salad.

cultural
Q

What makes Linguine alla Scala special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the batch‑cooking technique that adds each type of seafood at its exact cooking time, preserving texture, and in the light, wine‑forward tomato sauce that is far less heavy than traditional marinara‑based seafood pastas.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Linguine alla Scala at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the shellfish, adding shrimp or squid too early, and reducing the sauce too much so it becomes dry. Also, failing to discard unopened clams or mussels can lead to a gritty texture.

technical
Q

How do I know when the shrimp and squid are perfectly cooked in Linguine alla Scala?

A

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and pink and curl into a loose “C” shape—about 4 minutes. Squid should be just opaque and firm; it only needs 1‑2 minutes after being added, otherwise it becomes rubbery.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel America’s Test Kitchen specialize in?

A

America’s Test Kitchen specializes in rigorously tested, science‑based recipes that aim for reliable, repeatable results. The channel focuses on detailed technique explanations, equipment reviews, and ingredient science to help home cooks achieve restaurant‑quality dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel America’s Test Kitchen’s approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

America’s Test Kitchen emphasizes precise measurements, controlled cooking times, and troubleshooting tips, whereas many other channels rely on intuition or visual cues alone. Their Italian recipes often include step‑by‑step timing charts and explanations of why each technique matters.

channel

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