Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine, letting it simmer for 3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Add the cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Calabrian chili paste.
Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down slightly.
Cook the Seafood:
Season the shrimp and calamari with salt and pepper.
Nestle the littleneck clams and mussels into the sauce, cover, and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until they open. Remove with a slotted spoon or tongs and put the shellfish in a bowl or on a plate while we move onto the calamari and shrimp. Make sure you discard any clams or mussels that don’t open!
Add the shrimp and calamari, stirring gently. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and the calamari is tender.
Combine Everything:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add unsalted butter and toss until its melted and silky.
If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky and clings to the noodles.
Stir in the fresh parsley and basil.
Serve & Garnish:
Divide the pasta among plates, ensuring each portion gets a mix of seafood. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Wine Pairing – A crisp Vermentino or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with this dish.
Make It a Feast – Serve with grilled bread rubbed with a clove of garlic and drizzled with olive oil.
Storage Instructions
Best Fresh: This Italian seafood pasta is best eaten immediately.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a couple of hours, but seafood is always best enjoyed the same day.
Reheating: Warm gently in a large frying pan over medium heat with a splash of cooking water or a drizzle of olive oil. Avoid microwaving—shrimp and calamari will turn rubbery.
Freezing? Not recommended—the fresh ingredients and seafood sauce lose their texture when frozen