What can I make with these as an appetizer?

[Amy10223]

I couldn't make up my mind about what to make for some guests I am having over. I know they like seafood, so I was planning to make a paella seafood/rice dish, but they have had it before. I did buy ahead of time, mussels and clams, and I already had shrimp. I found out that they do like Italian food, and both like white sauce, so I am making Fettucine Alfredo with shrimp. I was going to add the mussels and clams too, but it would make for a messy dish unless I removed the shells. So, I was going to just make it with shrimp, and leave the clams and mussels for maybe an appetizer? Or just add them (already cooked) to the fettuccine?

I think I've just answered my question--add the mussels and clams without shells, to make it simpler.

What would be your choice? Order a pizza? haha

[loveslongnails]

I wouldn't add them to an Alfredo Sauce. Actually, I wouldn't do the Alfredo at all. If you want pasta for sure, just shell the mussels and clams and cook them in a white wine butter sauce with garlic and capers. Top with grated Asiago cheese. It's a lot easier to deal with than Alfredo, and lighter.

Another idea is to make a Cioppino, which is an Italian seafood bisque. Use the ingredients you have and add a bit of a white fish, like orange roughy, snapper or any other medium flaky white fish. Also add shucked oysters. Cook it in a dutch oven with tomato puree, garlic, onions, oregano, basil and some dry red wine. Top it with fresh parsley when dished and serve it with some crusty bread and you'll be a star!

[Amy10223]

Sounds very tasty, what you described. However, I did shell all the clams (little neck) and mussels, and I had shrimp. I make my own Alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and Romano cheese, a little pepper. I had steamed the mussels/clams, and the shrimp were deveined and shelled, and I put the sauce over them, mixed it slightly and added them to the fettuccine. The guests loved it.
I’ve made a similar dish like yours with mussels in white wine sauce.
There is a Spanish dish called Zarzuela that means “seafood dance” and it sounds like the Italian one you mentioned. Seafood in a tomato/red pepper sauce. Delicious.
Thank you!

[NathanDavis]

ever since I had paella... I've never ever refused a chance to have it again...

would definitely prefer it over a 30 minute pizza...

[Amy10223]

You would be surprised at how easy it is to make paella. I've made it for them before and they liked it, but they like to try new things too. Look on Youtube for paella recipes!

[Sameone]

I think you have to invite me because all of this they my favorite meal ( only pizza)

[Amy10223]

I’ll call you next time and invite you. :)

[laly520]

u can add em when they r already cooked