Cozze Piccanti

For anyone craving a Southern-style dinner full of character and warmth.

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Some dishes instantly evoke that vacation feeling — the aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil, a touch of heat, and steaming mussels that transport you straight to a sun-drenched evening by the sea. Cozze Piccanti, or spicy mussels, is one of those magical meals.

This dish is perfect for a dinner with friends or as a special treat for yourself on a regular weeknight. It’s Mediterranean comfort food at its best — soulful, vibrant, and made to be shared with a good glass of wine.

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🍽️ Servings: 4

⏱️ Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) tagliatelle

• 4.5 lbs (2 kg) fresh mussels

• 3 cloves garlic

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• ⅔ cup (150 ml) dry white wine

• 18 oz (500 g) canned diced tomatoes

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp dried oregano

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• ½ oz (15 g) flat-leaf parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the mussels

   1. Rinse the mussels thoroughly under cold running water. Discard any that are cracked or remain open when tapped. Let them drain.

2. Cook the pasta

   1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tagliatelle according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving a bit of the pasta water if desired.

3. Sauté the garlic

   1. Finely chop the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

4. Steam the mussels

   1. Add the mussels to the pan and pour in the white wine. Cover and let steam for 5 minutes, or until the mussels start to open.

5. Make the sauce

   1. Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently and cover again. Let simmer on medium heat for another 5–7 minutes, until all the mussels have opened and the sauce is rich and flavorful.

6. Combine and serve

   1. Toss the cooked tagliatelle with the mussels and sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to bring everything together. Finish with chopped parsley, if using.

Serve with warm ciabatta or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the sauce, and pair with a chilled glass of white wine — something crisp like a Vermentino or Pinot Grigio works beautifully.

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Cozze Piccanti is more than just a meal — it's an experience. It brings together simplicity and elegance, whisking you away to a vibrant Italian coastal town in just one bite. Whether you're enjoying it at a summer garden party or bringing some sunshine to a rainy day, this dish is guaranteed to light up your table.

Buon appetito!

- Savory Roads