Julia Walton
A bowl of Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew feels like a warm embrace from the Italian coast. Loaded with succulent shrimp, sweet scallops, briny mussels, and tender white fish, all simmered in a garlicky tomato and wine broth, this dish is a seafood lover’s dream. The flavors marry beautifully, creating a stew that’s as comforting as it is luxurious.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this Italian classic is sure to win hearts. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and every spoonful will transport you straight to a seaside trattoria in Liguria.
What Kind of Seafood Should I Use?
The best part about this stew is its versatility. A mix of fresh shellfish and firm white fish works wonderfully. Shrimp and scallops add sweetness, mussels bring a briny depth, and cod or halibut soak up all the rich flavors of the broth. Choose the freshest seafood you can find to make this dish truly shine.
Ingredients for the Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew
Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil gives the stew its rich Mediterranean flavor and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
Onion and Garlic
Aromatic staples that build a deep, savory base for the broth.
Crushed Tomatoes
Provide the stew with its robust, slightly tangy tomato backbone.
White Wine
Adds acidity and brightness, enhancing the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Seafood Stock
A must for a rich, ocean-like depth of flavor.
Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, and White Fish
The stars of the dish, bringing a variety of textures and delicate seafood flavors.
Fresh Parsley and Basil
Herbs that add a fresh, vibrant finish to the stew.
Red Pepper Flakes
Optional, but adds a gentle heat to balance the sweetness of the seafood.
Crusty Bread
Not technically in the stew, but essential for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
How To Make the Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they turn soft and fragrant. This forms the base of your stew’s flavor.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in white wine, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, seafood stock, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the broth simmer for 15 minutes so the flavors deepen.
Step 3: Cook the Seafood
Add the mussels first since they take longer to cook. After 5 minutes, add the shrimp, scallops, and chunks of white fish. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is just cooked through.
Step 4: Finish with Herbs
Stir in chopped parsley and basil right before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra red pepper flakes if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the stew into bowls and top with extra herbs. Serve hot with toasted crusty bread to soak up the rich tomato and seafood broth.
Serving and Storing the Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew
This stew is best served immediately while the seafood is tender and fresh. Garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of good olive oil for a restaurant-quality finish. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat over low heat—avoid boiling, as it can toughen the seafood.
What to Serve With Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew?
Crusty Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth.
Simple Green Salad
A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the rich stew beautifully.
Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes
Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory tomato broth (Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes).
Parmesan Baked Potatoes
A cheesy, crispy side that feels indulgent (Parmesan Baked Potatoes).
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Serve as a first course for a full Italian-inspired dinner (Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup).
Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia
If you want a homemade bread option, this focaccia is a winner.
Glass of Chilled White Wine
A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the seafood beautifully.
Want More Seafood Ideas?
If you love this Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Baked Stuffed Lobster Tail Delight for an elegant dinner centerpiece.
- Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce for a spicy Southern twist.
- Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa for a lighter, summer-friendly option.
- Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta when you crave a Caribbean kick.
- The Creamiest Crab Casserole You’ll Ever Try for a rich, comforting seafood bake.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe added clams or used a smoky paprika in the broth? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups seafood stock
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 pieces mussels, cleaned
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 pieces sea scallops
- 8 ounces white fish (cod or halibut), cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
- crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, seafood stock, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add mussels and cook for 5 minutes. Add shrimp, scallops, and white fish; simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
- Stir in parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.