Briny, garlicky mussels steam in white wine and butter, then get spooned over sweet roasted spaghetti squash for a cozy, lighter take on “pasta and shellfish.” It’s fast, elegant, and budget-friendly thanks to big sales on mussels and squash.
Details
Ingredients
- Fresh Wild Mussels 1.5 lb, scrubbed and debearded $6.99/lb (sale)
- Organic Spaghetti Squash 1 small (~2 lb) $1.49/lb (sale)
- Organic Yellow Onion 1/2 medium, finely diced $1.99 each
- Organic Garlic 3 cloves, thinly sliced $6.99/lb
- Dry white wine 1/2 cup
- Low-sodium chicken broth or water 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter 1 Tbsp
- Extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp, divided
- Red pepper flakes Pinch (optional)
- Organic Italian Parsley 2 Tbsp, chopped $1.99 each
- Lemon 1, cut into wedges (optional)
- Kosher salt & black pepper To taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F. Halve spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Rub cut sides with 1 Tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, place cut-side down on a sheet pan, and roast 35–40 min until strands pull easily with a fork.
- While squash roasts, clean mussels (discard any with cracked shells or that don’t close when tapped).
- In a large pot with lid, warm 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and a pinch of salt; cook 3–4 min until translucent. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 sec.
- Pour in wine, simmer 2 min to reduce slightly. Add broth and butter; bring to a simmer.
- Add mussels, cover, and steam 5–7 min, shaking the pot once or twice, until most shells open. Remove from heat; discard any that remain closed. Stir in parsley and pepper to taste.
- Shred spaghetti squash into strands with a fork. Divide between two shallow bowls, top with mussels and plenty of broth. Serve with lemon wedges.
Health notes: Approx. 420–480 kcal per serving. High-protein, low in refined carbs; spaghetti squash adds fiber and vitamins. Use olive oil in place of butter for lighter fat profile.
Drink pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Muscadet; beer lovers: dry pilsner.