Cheese And Seafood Pasta: The Perfect Pairing

Seafood pasta is a divisive dish—while some people swear by it, others are adamant that cheese and seafood should never be mixed. However, the combination of seafood and cheese can be delicious when done right. So, what cheese goes best with seafood pasta?

Mozzarella and Parmesan for a creamy sauce

Mozzarella and Parmesan are a match made in heaven when it comes to creating a creamy sauce for seafood pasta. The combination of these two cheeses will thicken your sauce beautifully, resulting in a subtle milky and nutty flavour that's simply irresistible.

To make this mouth-watering sauce, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Mozzarella cheese, grated
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Here's a step-by-step guide to crafting this creamy masterpiece:

• Start by grating your mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Set them aside, as you'll need them later for that perfect creaminess.
• Mince a clove or two of garlic. Sauté this in a Dutch oven or a large pan with some butter until it's softened and fragrant. This forms the flavour base of your sauce.
• Now, whisk in the heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—this is important for the right consistency.
• Here's the magic moment: remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the grated mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Keep whisking until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Combine this sauce with your cooked pasta. Add your choice of seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, and gently toss everything together.

Feel free to garnish your dish with some freshly chopped parsley or chives. Not only do they add a pop of colour, but they also bring a touch of freshness to your meal.

Remember, when it comes to adding cheese to seafood pasta, there are no hard and fast rules. While some traditional Italian dishes may not include cheese, many modern recipes, like the one above, delightfully combine the two. So, go ahead and indulge in this creamy, cheesy seafood pasta paradise!

Parmesan, pecorino or grana padano for a salty kick

Parmesan, pecorino, or grana padano are hard Italian cheeses that can add a salty kick to your seafood pasta. These cheeses are produced by fermenting milk, and their strong flavours can enhance the taste of your seafood pasta without overwhelming it.

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a popular choice for seafood pasta. It has a nutty, salty flavour that pairs well with seafood, especially shellfish. Pecorino Romano is another salty, sharp-flavoured cheese that can be used in seafood pasta. It is a sheep's milk cheese with a strong personality that can stand up to the delicate sweetness of seafood. Grana Padano is a similar but milder version of Parmesan, with a slightly less complex flavour and a lower salt content. It is an excellent choice if you want to add a creamy texture to your seafood pasta without overpowering the other ingredients.

When adding these cheeses to your seafood pasta, it is important to use them sparingly and not overwhelm the delicate flavours of the seafood. A light dusting of Parmesan, pecorino, or grana padano can add a nice salty kick to your dish without being too overpowering. These cheeses also go well with other ingredients commonly used in seafood pasta, such as lemon, garlic, and herbs.

So, if you're looking for a cheese to add a salty kick to your seafood pasta, consider using Parmesan, pecorino, or grana padano. Used correctly, these cheeses can enhance the flavours of your dish and take it to the next level!

Blue cheese for an earthy flavour

Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add depth to seafood pasta. Its earthy flavour and creamy texture make it a surprising yet delightful pairing. While some may hesitate to combine seafood and cheese, this combination can be a culinary delight when done right.

When it comes to blue cheese, there are many varieties to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. For a milder flavour, go for Gorgonzola Dolce, which has a sweet and creamy taste with just a hint of blue veining. If you want something stronger, Roquefort is a good option, with its sharp and salty flavour. Other varieties include Cashel Blue, known for its creamy texture and peppery finish, and Cambozola, which is a mix of creamy Camembert and tangy Gorgonzola.

When pairing blue cheese with seafood pasta, consider the other ingredients in your dish. Blue cheese pairs well with white wine, so a seafood pasta in a white wine sauce would complement it nicely. You could also add some garlic to your dish, as blue cheese and garlic are a classic combination. Additionally, consider the type of seafood you are using. Blue cheese tends to go well with stronger-flavoured seafood like shrimp and crab, as well as milder options such as scallops.

When adding blue cheese to your seafood pasta, there are a few ways to incorporate it. You can crumble or shred the cheese and sprinkle it on top of your pasta for a decorative and tasty finish. Alternatively, you can mix it into your pasta sauce to create a creamy and flavourful dish. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try making a blue cheese sauce for your pasta, combining the cheese with butter, milk, or cream and seasoning to taste.

While the combination of blue cheese and seafood pasta may be unconventional, it can be a delicious and satisfying meal. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect balance of flavours that suits your taste buds. Remember, when it comes to food, there are no rules – only delicious possibilities!

Chevré for a fresh, tangy taste

Chevré, a type of goat cheese, is an excellent choice for those seeking a fresh and tangy twist to their seafood pasta. Its distinctive flavour can elevate the dish, creating a unique and memorable dining experience. Chevré's tangy and creamy notes beautifully complement the delicate taste of seafood, resulting in a harmonious combination that will tantalise your taste buds.

When selecting Chevré for your seafood pasta, opt for a variety that is fresh and of good quality. This will ensure that the cheese's flavour is at its peak, enhancing the overall taste of your dish. Chevré can be incorporated into your pasta in several ways. Crumbling or grating the cheese over the pasta just before serving adds a delightful texture and a burst of flavour. Alternatively, you can incorporate Chevré into your sauce, creating a creamy and tangy foundation for your seafood pasta.

If you're crafting a cream-based sauce, Chevré's tangy flavour can be a welcome addition. Its creamy texture will seamlessly blend with the sauce, infusing it with a subtle tang that enhances the overall taste. The key to achieving the perfect balance is to use the right amount of Chevré, ensuring its flavour doesn't overpower the delicate seafood notes. Experiment with different quantities to find the ideal ratio that suits your palate.

Chevré also pairs exceptionally well with specific types of seafood. For instance, consider pairing Chevré with shrimp or scallops, as their mild and sweet flavours complement the cheese's tangy notes. The combination creates a delightful interplay of flavours that will excite your palate. Additionally, the creamy texture of Chevré can beautifully contrast the firmness of shrimp or the tenderness of scallops, providing a delightful contrast in mouthfeel.

When serving Chevré with your seafood pasta, consider incorporating fresh herbs such as parsley or chives to add a pop of colour and a layer of freshness to the dish. Moreover, a crisp white wine or champagne can be the perfect beverage pairing to complement the flavours of your Chevré seafood pasta. Their crisp and refreshing notes will beautifully offset the richness of the dish, providing a well-rounded dining experience.

Cream cheese for a rich, smooth texture

Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a rich and smooth texture in seafood pasta. While it may not be the first cheese that comes to mind for this dish, it can add a unique twist to the classic recipe. Here are some tips and tricks to incorporate cream cheese into your seafood pasta and elevate its taste and texture.

Choosing the Right Cream Cheese

Select a full-fat block of cream cheese for the richest and creamiest results. Avoid whipped or low-fat varieties, as they tend to have a lighter and fluffier texture that may not integrate as well into the dish.

Preparing the Cream Cheese

Before adding cream cheese to your seafood pasta, it's essential to bring it to room temperature. This step ensures that the cream cheese blends smoothly into the sauce without leaving lumps. Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to use it. If you're short on time, you can cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes to speed up the softening process.

Creating a Creamy Sauce

For a smooth and creamy sauce, combine the cream cheese with other dairy ingredients such as heavy cream, milk, or butter. Start by melting the cream cheese over low heat, then gradually whisk in the additional dairy ingredients to create a homogeneous mixture. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs to enhance the flavour.

Incorporating Seafood

When adding seafood to your pasta, opt for varieties that complement the rich and creamy sauce. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are excellent choices, as they have a delicate texture and sweet flavour that pairs well with the creaminess of the sauce. Ensure that your seafood is properly cleaned and prepared before incorporating it into the dish.

Finalizing the Dish

Once you've created your creamy sauce and cooked your pasta, it's time to bring everything together. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring that each strand is evenly coated. Then, gently mix in your chosen seafood, being careful not to break up the delicate pieces. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Finally, serve your creamy seafood pasta while it's still hot, garnished with fresh herbs and perhaps a squeeze of lemon juice to add a touch of brightness.

Frequently asked questions