Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? You’re not alone. Many people find themselves stuck in a rut, making the same meals over and over again. That’s why I put together this list of 12 seafood dinner recipes that are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. If you’re looking for something quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone who wants to spice up their weeknight meals, these recipes are perfect for you. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up these mouthwatering seafood dishes. Each recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for those hectic evenings when time is not on your side.
These dinner recipes seafood offer a wonderful variety of options, from zesty shrimp pasta to light and flaky fish tacos. With the right ingredients and simple techniques, you can create meals that are sure to impress your family or guests. Plus, seafood is usually a healthier option packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat better without sacrificing flavor.
What can you expect from this collection? You’ll discover quick dinner ideas that not only satisfy your cravings but also introduce you to new flavors and techniques. These seafood recipes are not just about cooking; they’re about enjoying good food and making memories around the dinner table. So get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with these 12 flavorful seafood dishes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
Let’s dive into this delicious seafood adventure!
Key Takeaways
– Each recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
– The collection includes a variety of seafood options, from pasta to tacos, catering to different tastes.
– Seafood is a healthy choice, often rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
– These recipes require simple ingredients that are easy to find, ensuring accessibility for all home cooks.
– Enjoy cooking with these flavorful dishes that promise to impress your family and friends without any fuss.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Craving a weeknight winner that tastes indulgent but comes together fast? This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta hits the mark. Juicy shrimp, a glossy garlic butter sauce, and a bright lemon finish make dinner feel special without the stress.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 4 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink (about 3-4 minutes).
5. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and add lemon juice. Stir to coat evenly.
6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.
FAQs:
– Can I substitute the shrimp? Yes, chicken or vegetables work well too.
– Can I make this dairy-free? Use olive oil and a dairy-free butter substitute, or omit butter entirely.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:04 PM
OXO Good Grips Heavy Duty Garlic Press, Die-Cast Zinc, Black
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Cuisinart 766S-22 6 Qt. Stainless Steel Pasta Pot w/Straining Cover Chef…
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All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Non Stick Fry Pan Set 2 Piece, 8, 10 Inch, In…
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Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Non Stick Frying Pan, Heavy-Gauge Alumin…
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2. Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta
Bright, cozy, and satisfying, this Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta feels luxurious without the fuss. Salmon adds protein and omega-3s, while a silky lemon cream coats every strand of pasta for a comforting finish. It comes together in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients:
– 2 salmon fillets
– 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tbsp capers
– Fresh dill for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a splash of pasta water, then drain.
2. Season the salmon with salt and pepper and sear in a hot skillet 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Flake into pieces.
3. In the same pan, add cream, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Toss in pasta and salmon, coating evenly.
5. Top with capers and fresh dill before serving.
FAQs:
– Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, thaw first before cooking.
– How can I lighten the sauce? Use half-and-half or swap some cream for milk with a slurry of flour or cornstarch.
Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:04 PM
All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set – 3-Piece Cookware, 8″, …
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3. Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad
Cool evenings call for something zippy and satisfying. This Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad blends protein-packed tuna with tender pasta and a creamy, tangy kick. It chills beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead option for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz elbow macaroni or your choice of pasta
– 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
– 1 cup diced bell peppers
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 1/2 cup sweet corn
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp sriracha
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta until al dente, then rinse and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tuna, peppers, onion, and corn.
3. Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over the pasta and mix until well coated.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Optional: add avocado for creaminess.
FAQs:
– Can I substitute tuna with canned chicken? Yes, it works nicely.
– How long does it keep? Up to 3 days in the fridge.
Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Barilla Elbows Pasta, 32 oz. Box (Pack of 8) – Non-GMO Pasta Made with D…
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Sriracha Chili Hot Sauce, 28 Ounce Bottle (Pack of 2) by Huy Fong
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Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna, Sea Salt, Canned Tuna, Sustainably Wild-…
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Safe Catch Wild Ahi Yellowfin Tuna Fish Canned, Wild Caught, Lowest Merc…
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4. Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Escape to a coastal breeze with Shrimp Scampi Linguine. Garlic, lemon, and butter balance the briny shrimp for a bright, satisfying dish that feels indulgent yet quick. You get restaurant-level flavor in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz linguine
– 4 tbsp butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook linguine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, 3-4 minutes.
4. Squeeze in lemon juice, stir in parsley, and toss with pasta until coated.
5. Season to taste and serve warm.
FAQs:
– Can I use dried parsley? Fresh yields a brighter aroma, but dried works in a pinch.
– Can I skip butter? Use olive oil and a touch of olive oil-based sauce.
Shrimp Scampi Linguine
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Barilla Linguine Pasta, 160 oz. Bag – Non-GMO, Made with Durum Wheat Sem…
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DeLallo Linguine Pasta, Made in Italy, Bronze Cut, Made with Only 100% D…
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OXO Good Grips Heavy Duty Garlic Press, Die-Cast Zinc, Black
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5. Pesto Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
A lighter, vibrant take on pasta, this Pesto Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles packs color and flavor without the heaviness. Zucchini noodles keep it fresh, while shrimp and pesto deliver bold herbal notes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil; cook shrimp until pink.
3. Stir in pesto to coat shrimp evenly.
4. Add zucchini noodles and cherry tomatoes; heat just until warmed through.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
FAQs:
– Can I make this vegetarian? Skip shrimp and add extra vegetables or mushrooms.
– Is store-bought pesto okay? Yes, it saves time and keeps it flavorful.
Pesto Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Vegetable Spiralizer for Veggie Noodles, …
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OXO Good Grips 3-Blade Tabletop Spiralizer with StrongHold Suction
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Ourokhome Zucchini Noodle Maker Spaghetti Spiralizer – 5 Blades Vegetabl…
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Kirkland Signature Expect More Italian Basil Pesto, 22 oz
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6. Mediterranean Seafood Pasta
A sunny, herb-forward dish that brings the flavors of the coast to your table. This Mediterranean Seafood Pasta blends tender seafood with tomatoes, olives, and basil for a vibrant, healthy meal you can pull together in under an hour.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
– 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, calamari)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/2 cup white wine
– Olive oil, salt, pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add seafood and tomatoes; cook 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine; simmer briefly.
5. Toss with pasta, olives, and basil before serving.
FAQs:
– What if I don’t have white wine? Use broth or extra tomato juice.
– Can I use frozen seafood? Yes, thaw completely before cooking.
Mediterranean Seafood Pasta
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Atlas 750 mL Organic Cold Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Glass Bottle, …
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OCEANZEN Premium Maine Lobster Meat, 2 LB Pack – Wild-Caught Knuckle & C…
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Turn busy weeknights into a colorful coastal dinner with Quick Fish Tacos. Firm white fish, zippy lime, and a crisp cabbage slaw come together fast for a meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb firm white fish (cod or tilapia)
– 8 small tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– Salsa of your choice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season fish with lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook fish 3-4 minutes per side until flaky.
3. Mix cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to make slaw.
4. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. Assemble tacos with fish, slaw, and salsa.
FAQs:
– Can I grill the fish instead? Yes, grilling adds a smoky note.
– Is this gluten-free? If you use corn tortillas, it can be gluten-free.
Quick Fish Tacos
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Dalstrong Professional Kitchen Fish Spatula – 7.5 inch – Slotted – High-…
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8. Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry
Brighten weeknights with a speedy Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry. Crunchy asparagus meets juicy shrimp in a sizzling pan, finished with a savory sauce and served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tbsp stir-fry sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch ginger, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on high. Add asparagus and stir-fry 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
2. Add shrimp, garlic, ginger, and stir-fry sauce; cook until shrimp turn pink.
3. Season with salt and pepper and serve over rice or noodles.
FAQs:
– Can I use frozen asparagus? Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
– Do I need the stir-fry sauce? A simple mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey works as a substitute.
Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Lee Kum Kee Original Stir-fry Sauce, 19-Ounce Bottle (Pack of 3)
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Amazon$35.889. Clam Pasta with Garlic and White Wine
Indulge in a classic at-home seafood moment: Clam Pasta with Garlic and White Wine. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a quick finish make this a go-to for a cozy yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
– 2 lbs fresh clams, scrubbed
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta until al dente; reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add clams and wine; cover and steam until they open (about 5-7 minutes). Discard any that stay closed.
4. Toss in pasta with a splash of pasta water and parsley; season to taste.
FAQs:
– Fresh clams are best, but frozen can work if well thawed and rinsed.
– What if not all clams open? Discard any closed clams for safety.
Clam Pasta with Garlic and White Wine
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Cuisinart 766S-22 6 Qt. Stainless Steel Pasta Pot w/Straining Cover Chef…
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OXO Good Grips Heavy Duty Garlic Press, Die-Cast Zinc, Black
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Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press, Stainless Steel, 6.5 x 1 x 1.5 inches…
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Caraway Garlic Press – Non Toxic Stainless Steel – Essential Kitchen Too…
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Bring a vibrant, one-pan paella to your table. Saffron gives the rice its golden hue, while a mix of shrimp, mussels, and calamari delivers a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb mussels, scrubbed
– 1 lb calamari, sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp saffron threads
– 4 cups seafood broth
– Olive oil, salt, pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Stir in rice and saffron; cook briefly to release aroma.
3. Gradually add broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add shrimp, mussels, and calamari; cover and simmer until seafood is cooked and rice is tender.
5. Serve hot with lemon wedges and extra herbs if desired.
FAQs:
– Can I add peas or peppers for color? Yes, they brighten the dish.
– Can this be made ahead? You can prepare components ahead and reheat gently.
Seafood Paella
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:06 PM
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11. Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce
Delight in the clean flavor of cod bathed in a bright tomato basil sauce. Quick, wholesome, and versatile, this dish pairs well with whole-grain pasta or rice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets
– 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– Olive oil, salt, pepper to taste
– Whole-grain pasta or rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Season cod with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sear cod about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. In another pan, sauté garlic, add tomatoes, and simmer 8-10 minutes to form a sauce.
4. Stir in basil, pour sauce over cod, and serve with pasta or rice.
FAQs:
– Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, simmer longer to deepen flavors.
– Can I freeze cod? Yes, thaw completely before cooking.
Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce
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12. Miso Glazed Salmon
Sweet and savory meets caramelized perfection in Miso Glazed Salmon. A simple miso glaze seals in moisture, while the salmon bakes to a glossy finish. Serve with rice or greens for a balanced dinner that feels special.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets
– 1/4 cup miso paste
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp grated ginger
– Steamed rice or vegetables for serving
Instructions:
1. Whisk miso paste, soy sauce, honey, and ginger to form a glaze.
2. Coat salmon with the glaze and marinate at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill or broil 5-6 minutes per side until just opaque in the center.
4. Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.
FAQs:
– Can I bake this instead? Yes, bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
– Is white miso milder? Yes, use white miso for a gentler flavor.
Miso Glazed Salmon
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:06 PM
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Conclusion
With these 12 seafood dinner recipes, weeknight meals have never been easier or more delicious! From classic pasta dishes to innovative seafood tacos, you have a variety of flavors and styles to choose from. Each recipe is designed to bring freshness, health, and joyful cooking back to your home kitchen.
Don’t shy away from experimenting with these easy weeknight meals; they’re perfect for busy evenings yet elegant enough for special occasions. Enjoy the delightful world of seafood and make your weeknight dinners something to look forward to!
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