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Holiday Cooking Made Simple: One-Pan Puttanesca Seafood Recipe

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/18 .. de-simple-one-pan-puttanesca-seafood-recipe.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 18:03 GMT by ABC15 Arizona

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Holiday Cooking Made Simple: One‑Pan Puttanesca Seafood Recipe

When the holiday season rolls around, the pressure of planning a festive menu can feel as heavy as the ornaments on a tree. ABC15’s “Sleigh Your Holiday Menu” series takes the edge off by offering a dish that looks impressive but requires just a single pan and a few minutes of prep. The featured recipe, “An Easy Holiday Seafood One‑Pan Puttanesca,” blends the bright, briny flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with the fresh bounty of the sea, making it a standout choice for a holiday dinner, Thanksgiving, or a cozy family gathering.

The Hook: Why One‑Pan Puttanesca?

The article opens with a quick note on the convenience of one‑pan meals. The author emphasizes that a single‑pot approach cuts down on kitchen clutter, reduces cleanup time, and lets diners focus on conversation rather than washing dishes. For holiday hosting, where you’re juggling dessert, side dishes, and perhaps a few unexpected guests, a single‑pan entrée can save both time and energy. In addition, the Puttanesca sauce—known for its bold combination of olives, capers, anchovies, and tomatoes—provides a savory, slightly sweet backdrop that complements the delicate textures of shrimp, scallops, and mussels.

Ingredients: A Balanced Palette

While the original post includes a neat, bullet‑point list, the essence is this:

The recipe balances the savory depths of anchovies and olives with the brightness of lemon and the sweetness of tomatoes. It also gives you the flexibility to swap out one type of shellfish for another, depending on what’s available or your personal preference.

Step‑by‑Step Cooking Method

1. Sauté Aromatics
   Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red‑pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant—about 30 seconds. The key here is not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

2. Introduce the “Puttanesca” Core
   Stir in the mashed anchovies, chopped olives, and capers. Cook for another minute so the flavors meld.

3. Add Tomatoes
   Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. They’ll release their juices, creating a base sauce that’s both tomato‑rich and briny.

4. Add Shellfish & Broth
   Add the shrimp or scallops, followed by the mussels or clams. Pour in the white wine (if using) and broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover for about 3–4 minutes until the shellfish opens (discard any that remain closed).

5. Introduce Pasta
   Stir in the pasta and ensure it’s submerged in liquid. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover again and let it cook until al dente—typically 8–10 minutes, depending on pasta type. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the pan.

6. Finish & Plate
   Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and let any excess liquid evaporate. If the sauce feels dry, add a splash more broth or a bit of pasta water. Finish with lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve
   Serve directly from the pan or transfer to a warm serving dish. A side of crusty bread or a light salad pairs nicely.

Tips & Variations

• Time‑saving tricks: If you’re short on time, you can pre‑cook the shellfish separately, then add them to the sauce in the last minute of pasta cooking.
• Vegetarian version: Swap the shellfish for chopped zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms, and add a splash of tomato sauce for depth.
• Cheese lovers: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for an extra layer of flavor.
• Heat it up: For a spicier bite, increase the red‑pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Gluten‑free: Use gluten‑free pasta to keep the dish suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.

Context & Source

ABC15’s “Sleigh Your Holiday Menu” series is designed to help viewers plan festive meals without the usual stress. The article was published in the “Life” section of ABC15’s website and features a professional photographer’s close‑up of the finished dish, giving readers a mouth‑watering visual reference. While the main post focuses on the recipe itself, there are links to additional holiday-themed content on the site, such as side‑dish suggestions and dessert ideas, which the article lightly references. These links provide a broader context for the holiday meal planning process, underscoring the importance of a well‑rounded menu.

Bottom Line

This One‑Pan Puttanesca recipe is a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and convenience. It brings the Mediterranean’s love for olives, capers, and anchovies into a holiday context, making it a versatile entrée that can accommodate shrimp, scallops, or mussels—and even suit vegetarian diners with a few tweaks. By consolidating cooking into one pan, you free up your kitchen for other tasks, allowing you to enjoy the company of your guests rather than the cleanup afterward.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is an excellent choice for a holiday meal that’s both festive and fuss‑free. Grab the ingredients, follow the straightforward steps, and let the aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and brine fill your home—an instant holiday mood‑setter. For the full, step‑by‑step guide, plus additional holiday cooking inspiration, visit ABC15’s original article on “An Easy Holiday Seafood One‑Pan Puttanesca.” Happy cooking, and may your holiday season be deliciously simple!