This recipe for Pasta with Mussels, pancetta, and three delicious tomato sauce options has been sponsored by La San Marzano. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Experience Authentic Italian Flavors: Pasta with Mussels and La San Marzano Tomato Sauce

Every summer, the Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food Show in New York City becomes a vibrant hub for culinary discovery. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest food trends, sample exquisite gourmet products, and connect with innovative brands from across the globe. During the 2018 show, an unforgettable aroma drew me in – the rich, savory scent of a perfectly crafted tomato sauce, a fragrance so inviting it seemed to have a gravitational pull. This irresistible trail led me directly to the beautifully arranged display of La San Marzano.

From the very first taste of their Marinara sauce, I was captivated. It was an instant love affair with authentic Italian flavor, so profound that I found myself returning to their booth the following day. While I could claim it was a mere coincidence to land there for lunch a second time, a true food enthusiast would rightly be skeptical. My heart, and my palate, simply yearned for another taste of La San Marzano’s exceptional sauces!

Today, I am thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite creations: Pasta with Mussels in San Marzano Tomato Sauce. This remarkably versatile dish is not only straightforward to prepare but also presents beautifully, making it an ideal choice for entertaining or simply elevating a weeknight dinner into a special occasion. Its rich flavors and elegant presentation are guaranteed to make it a gorgeous centerpiece at any table.

The Legacy of La San Marzano: A Story of Passion and Authenticity

La San Marzano is more than just a brand; it’s a testament to three generations of culinary excellence, a family-owned company deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Italy. During my visit to the Fancy Food Show in New York, I had the immense pleasure of conversing with the owner, Felice Romano. His profound passion for his company and the exceptional tomato products they produce was palpable, shining through every word. It was through our engaging conversation that I gained invaluable insights into what truly distinguishes La San Marzano’s celebrated tomatoes.

For years, the name “San Marzano” has been synonymous with superior quality in my culinary vocabulary. However, what many consumers, including myself at one point, don’t realize is the prevalence of imitation products in the market. To genuinely be considered an authentic San Marzano tomato, these precious fruits must be grown and harvested exclusively within the designated San Marzano region of Italy. This fertile area, nestled at the base of the iconic Mt. Vesuvius, boasts a unique volcanic soil composition. This mineral-rich soil, combined with the ideal Mediterranean climate, contributes significantly to the tomatoes’ unparalleled sweetness, balanced acidity, and robust flavor profile. If the crops originate from outside this specific geographical area, they simply do not possess the inherent qualities that define true “San Marzano” tomatoes, regardless of how they are labeled. Understanding this crucial distinction is key to appreciating the premium quality that La San Marzano brings to your kitchen.

La San Marzano’s Products: Uniting Tradition, Uncompromising Quality, and Modern Convenience

La San Marzano offers a comprehensive and impressive line of tomato products, catering to every culinary need. Beyond their revered whole and diced tomatoes, their array of exquisite pasta sauces truly stands out. Options include the classic Marinara, aromatic Tomato Basil, creamy Vodka, rich Four Cheese, and savory Roasted Garlic, each crafted to perfection. What makes these sauces truly exceptional is their unwavering commitment to tradition and quality. They are made exclusively with all-natural, non-GMO ingredients, ensuring that every spoonful delivers pure, unadulterated flavor. Every component, from the freshest basil and garlic to the finest Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano cheeses, is meticulously sourced directly from Italy. This dedication ensures the highest standard of quality and an authentic taste that transports you straight to the heart of Italian cooking.

The first time I uncorked a jar of La San Marzano’s sauce in my own kitchen, I was immediately struck by the visible quality of the ingredients. Unlike many other jarred sauces that appear homogenous, La San Marzano’s offerings reveal distinct slices of garlic, generous chunks of ripe tomatoes, and verdant ribbons of fresh basil. Being of half-Italian heritage, I often dedicate time to crafting my own homemade pasta sauce from scratch. This personal benchmark makes my appreciation for La San Marzano even stronger: their sauces authentically taste just like the ones my family and I would spend hours preparing ourselves, yet they offer the unparalleled convenience of a ready-to-use jarred product. They have, without a doubt, earned a permanent and cherished place in my pantry, becoming an indispensable staple for creating quick, delicious, and truly authentic Italian meals.

San Marzano Pasta Sauce Variations: Three Distinct Dinners from One Simple Recipe

One of the true joys of La San Marzano’s exquisite sauces is the ease with which they allow you to create diverse variations from a single foundational recipe. This adaptability is particularly evident when preparing our delectable Pasta with Mussels. While all their sauces are fantastic, my three absolute favorite varieties to incorporate into this dish are Marinara, Tomato Basil, and Arrabbiata, each offering a unique culinary experience.

• Marinara Sauce: This classic Italian sauce embodies simplicity and depth. Crafted with the natural sweetness of authentic San Marzano tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and rich olive oil, it forms the perfect foundation for a timeless bowl of Mussels Marinara. To enhance its savory notes and add a delightful textural contrast, I highly recommend sautéing some diced pancetta until crispy and stirring it into the dish just before serving. The subtle smokiness of the pancetta beautifully complements the briny mussels and the bright tomato base.
• Tomato Basil Sauce: For those who appreciate a fresher, more aromatic profile, the Tomato Basil sauce is an ideal choice. While sharing similarities with the Marinara, this delicate sauce boasts a more prominent and intoxicating flavor and aroma of fresh basil. Its vibrant herbaceous notes pair exquisitely with the briny sweetness of the mussels, lending a bright, invigorating, and wonderfully fresh feel to the entire dish. It’s a taste of summer, no matter the season.
• Arrabbiata Sauce: If your palate craves a kick of heat, the Arrabbiata sauce is your go-to. Translating to “angry” in Italian, this sauce masterfully combines the beloved flavors of traditional marinara with a generous infusion of red pepper flakes. The result is a sauce that is perfectly spicy – assertive enough to awaken your senses without overpowering the delicate flavors of the mussels. For an exciting twist that amplifies the robust character of the Arrabbiata, consider substituting a little sautéed chorizo in place of the pancetta; its smoky, spicy notes create an unforgettable accompaniment.

Perfecting the Presentation: Serving Pasta with Mussels

The beauty of Pasta with Mussels lies not only in its taste but also in its adaptable nature when it comes to serving. You can confidently choose any long pasta variety that calls to you, from the classic spaghetti (as pictured in this recipe) to the hollow bucatini, the flat linguine, or the broad tagliatelle. Each option will perfectly cradle the flavorful sauce and tender mussels. For the absolute best experience, this dish is most delightful when served immediately after cooking. The simple finishing touches are crucial, allowing the exquisite flavors of the San Marzano sauce and fresh seafood to truly shine through without competition.

A final drizzle of high-quality, fruity olive oil adds a luxurious sheen and an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of freshly chopped Italian parsley contributes a vibrant color and herbaceous freshness. Accompanying this magnificent meal with slices of warm, crusty Italian bread is essential for soaking up every last drop of the delectable sauce. Pair it with a carefully selected glass of wine, and you have all the elements for a memorable and utterly satisfying dinner experience.

Elevate Your Meal: Choosing the Perfect Wine Pairing

To further enhance your culinary journey, we turn to the expertise of Certified Sommelier and Italian Wine Ambassador, Hugh Preece, who offers insightful wine pairing suggestions to complement each of our San Marzano pasta sauce variations:

With Marinara Sauce:

• Recommended Pairing: Allegrini Valpolicella Classico DOC. This wine presents a beautiful ruby red hue with captivating purplish-blue reflections. On the nose, it delights with scented red fruits, notably cherries, complemented by fresh hints of pepper and aromatic herbs. The palate is impressively lively and playful, offering a wonderful balance to the savory marinara.
• Daring Pairing: Borgo Lame Barbera d’Asti DOCG. A ruby red wine, mild and fruity, showcasing distinct notes of raspberry and plum. It boasts a full-bodied, velvety texture and concludes with a pleasant, dry finish, providing a bolder contrast to the classic marinara.

With Tomato Basil Sauce:

• Recommended Pairing: Mastroberardino Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso DOC. Translating poetically to ‘Tears of Christ,’ this wine is deeply rooted in the volcanic soil of Vesuvius, much like San Marzano tomatoes. It offers an intense ruby-red color with inviting aromas of cherries and red fruit, subtle notes of plums, raspberries, and a whisper of black pepper. Refined tannins and excellent acidity make this a rich and satisfying choice.
• Daring Pairing: Barone di Villagrande Etna Rosato DOC. Crafted from the Nerello Mascalese grape, this rosato displays a brilliant, soft pink color. Its vibrant and fresh aromas of flowers and citrus lead to a firm yet stylish mouthfeel, culminating in a complex, lingering finish that beautifully complements the fresh basil notes.

With Arrabbiata Sauce:

• Recommended Pairing: Casale Del Giglio Cesanese Lazio Rosso IGT. This wine features an intense ruby red color and deep aromas of cherry, followed by intriguing spicy notes of white pepper, black pepper, and violet. On the palate, it is soft, with persistent tannins and a pronounced acidity, standing up well to the arrabbiata’s heat.
• Daring Pairing: Tiefenbrunner Gewurztraminer “Merus” South Tyrol DOC. Displaying a brilliant yellow to golden-yellow color, this Gewurztraminer presents marked aromas of ripe grapes and candied fruits, accompanied by fine notes of honey, oriental spices, sage, and rose petals. It is a full-bodied, harmonious wine with a lasting finish, offering an aromatic counterpoint to the spicy arrabbiata.

We hope you thoroughly enjoy preparing and savoring this delightful Pasta with Mussels in San Marzano Tomato Sauce. It’s a dish that truly embodies the essence of Italian home cooking, brought to life with the exceptional quality of La San Marzano products. Share your culinary creations and experiences with us!