Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew

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If you’re dreaming of the Italian coast, this rich and hearty Italian seafood stew brings the flavors of the sea right to your table. Brimming with a medley of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and a luscious tomato broth, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether served as a centerpiece for a dinner party or a cozy weeknight meal, it’s a true comfort food that feels both rustic and elegant.

Each spoonful offers a taste of tender clams, plump shrimp, flaky fish, and maybe even a few mussels, all infused with garlic, wine, and just a hint of spice. Best enjoyed with crusty bread for dunking, it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Seafood Stew

This Italian seafood stew is a feast for the senses. It’s easy enough to prepare on a busy night yet impressive enough for guests. The broth alone is a standout — rich, slightly tangy, and layered with deep flavors thanks to the wine, seafood, and herbs. It’s also versatile; you can mix and match whatever seafood you have on hand, making it a flexible way to showcase the freshest catch. Plus, it’s a great option for lighter eating, being both filling and nourishing.

What’s the Best Seafood to Use in Italian Seafood Stew?

The beauty of this stew is how adaptable it is. Ideally, you’ll use a mix of shellfish and firm white fish. Clams and mussels bring a briny depth, shrimp add sweetness, and chunks of cod, halibut, or sea bass stay tender in the simmering broth. Feel free to add scallops or even a few crab claws if you like. The key is to choose the freshest seafood you can find and to add delicate items, like fish, near the end so they don’t overcook.

Ingredients for the Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew

Tomatoes are the soul of the broth, giving it that classic Italian tang and sweetness. Garlic brings a fragrant depth that permeates every spoonful. Onion and fennel form the aromatic base, lending sweetness and subtle licorice notes. Dry white wine enhances the broth with a gentle acidity and richness. Fish stock ties it all together, adding a deep ocean flavor that complements the seafood perfectly. Clams and mussels offer briny, tender bites while shrimp lend a satisfying sweetness. Firm white fish like cod or halibut gives body to the stew, staying tender yet substantial. A pinch of red pepper flakes wakes everything up with a little heat, while fresh parsley adds a bright, herby finish.

How to Make the Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew

Step 1: Build the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and fennel, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until golden.

Step 2: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol, then add canned crushed tomatoes, fish stock, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and salt. Simmer the broth for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Cook the Shellfish

Add scrubbed clams and mussels to the pot. Cover and let them cook until they open, about 5–7 minutes. Discard any that remain closed.

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Fish

Gently nestle the shrimp and chunks of white fish into the simmering broth. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, just until the fish flakes and the shrimp turn pink.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the stew into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.

How to Serve and Store This Italian Seafood Stew

This Italian seafood stew is best served hot and fresh, right out of the pot, so all the seafood stays tender and juicy. It makes enough to generously feed about 4–6 people as a main course. Serve it in shallow bowls with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful broth. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens the flavors even more.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Reheat gently over low heat, being careful not to overcook the seafood.

What to Serve With Italian Seafood Stew?

A Crisp Green Salad

A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette complements the richness of the stew beautifully.

Garlic Bread

For a little more indulgence, serve with garlic bread to mop up that irresistible broth.

Roasted Vegetables

A tray of roasted asparagus, carrots, or zucchini makes a colorful and healthy addition.

Pasta

A small portion of plain pasta or linguine tossed with olive oil pairs nicely on the side.

Polenta

Creamy polenta offers a soft and comforting base for the stew.

Wine

A glass of dry Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or Verdicchio is a natural match.

Grilled Artichokes

Their smoky, earthy flavor adds a nice contrast to the bright, briny stew.

Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?

If you love this rich and hearty Italian seafood stew, here are more flavorful dishes to try from Luna Meals:

• Easy Creamy Polenta Shrimp for a creamy Southern-inspired take on seafood.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails when you’re in the mood for a decadent main.
• Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa for something lighter and summery.
• Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage if you love a bit of smoky, hearty comfort.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick to the classic clams and mussels, or did you try scallops or crab? Any creative twists? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook better.

Explore beautifully curated seafood and dinner ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dish!

Conclusion

This rich and hearty Italian seafood stew brings the warmth and flavor of a seaside trattoria right to your kitchen. With its fragrant tomato broth, tender seafood, and easy steps, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and don’t forget the bread for dipping!

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