1- Making a great seafood pasta is all about timing and simple steps that anyone can follow. Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes, then drain it while reserving 1 cup of the pasta water for later. This liquid helps enhance the sauce’s consistency and flavor, so don’t skip it.

2- Next, season your shrimp and scallops with a bit of salt and pepper to bring out their natural taste. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp and scallops for about 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turns pink and the scallops are opaque, then set them aside to keep warm. In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter along with the diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

3- Now, stir in the 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for just 30 seconds to release their aroma without burning. Pour in the 3/4 cup dry white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce. Add the clams and mussels, cover the skillet, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the shells open up; remove the seafood and toss out any that don’t open for safety.

4-Mixing and Finishing the Dish: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch into the 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream (or your substitute) and add it to the skillet along with 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon paste and 3/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything until the sauce thickens slightly, then season with salt and pepper as needed. Toss in the cooked pasta and lemon zest from half a lemon, using the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness if it’s too thick.

5- Finally, add back the cooked seafood, stir gently, and garnish with the 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Serve it up hot for the best experience, and feel free to experiment with additions like small white fish pieces or calamari rings for extra variety. Using the strained cooking liquid from the clams and mussels can further improve the sauce’s depth, as mentioned in our tips for perfect pasta prep.