A big pot bubbles on the stove, the aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and the ocean swirling through your kitchen. That’s the magic of Cioppino Recipe Easy—a rustic, soul-warming classic that turns simple ingredients into something seriously special. Born along Italy’s stunning coastline, this Cioppino Italian Seafood Stew captures everything we love about seaside cooking: bold flavor, fresh seafood, and that irresistible “just one more spoonful” vibe.

This isn’t just soup. It’s a full-on flavor fest. Think tender shrimp, briny clams, and flaky fish mingling in a rich tomato broth infused with herbs and spice. Every bite of this Cioppino Seafood Fish Stew feels like a mini vacation. Hosting friends? Perfect. Craving cozy comfort food? Even better. Add crusty bread, and suddenly you’ve got a dinner that feels fancy without the fuss.

Let’s talk about the real secret: Cooking Seafood In A Pot the right way. Timing matters. Cooking Seafood Stew In Pot means layering flavors—start with aromatics, build with tomatoes and broth, then add seafood at the end so it stays tender, never rubbery. Pro tip: Don’t overcook the seafood. It should be delicate, not chewy.

What makes this a standout Seafood Dish With Clams And Shrimp or even a bold Seafood Dish With Clams And Fish? Balance. Sweet tomatoes meet savory herbs, and the ocean’s freshness ties it all together. IMO, the magic lies in choosing quality Homemade Seafood Soup Ingredients and fresh Seafood Soup Ingredients—they transform the broth from basic to breathtaking.

And here’s the fun part: Cioppino brings people together. Big bowls. Loud laughter. Bread dunked shamelessly into that rich, red broth. Who needs a plane ticket when your kitchen delivers this kind of coastal comfort?

Cioppino

This Easy Cioppino is a bold and comforting Italian seafood stew packed with fresh shrimp, mussels, tender white fish, and calamari simmered in a rich tomato and herb broth. Every spoonful delivers the perfect balance of savory depth and coastal freshness. The aromatic garlic, basil, and oregano create a warm, inviting flavor that pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a cozy homemade meal, this seafood stew feels both elegant and approachable. Simple to prepare yet impressive to serve, it’s a restaurant-worthy dish made right in your own kitchen.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion finely chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
1 red bell pepper diced into small pieces
1 14–15 oz can crushed or diced tomatoes
1 small can 6 oz tomato paste
1 cup seafood stock or vegetable broth
1 cup dry white wine optional but recommended
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon chili flakes adjust for heat preference
1 pound fresh mussels scrubbed and debearded
1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
1 pound firm white fish cod, halibut, or similar, cut into chunks
½ pound calamari sliced into rings
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley chopped
Toasted crusty bread for serving

Method

1. Build the Flavor Base

Place a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm.

2. Cook the Aromatics

Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until aromatic.

3. Create the Tomato Broth

Mix in the tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Pour in the white wine if using. Stir thoroughly to blend everything together.

4. Season Generously

Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices infuse the liquid evenly.

5. Let It Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Lower the heat and allow it to simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. This step deepens the flavor and slightly thickens the broth.

6. Add the Seafood

Carefully nestle in the mussels, shrimp, fish pieces, and calamari. Lightly stir to distribute them in the broth. Cover with a lid.

7. Cook Until Just Done

Let the seafood cook for 5–7 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink, the fish opaque, and the mussels should open fully.

8. Final Taste Check

Remove the lid and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes as needed.

9. Serve Immediately

Ladle into bowls, sprinkle generously with fresh parsley, and serve piping hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Name: Cioppino
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: Ingredients; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 red bell pepper (diced into small pieces); 1 14–15 oz can crushed or diced tomatoes; 1 small can (6 oz tomato paste); 1 cup seafood stock or vegetable broth; 1 cup dry white wine (optional but recommended); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust for heat preference); 1 pound fresh mussels (scrubbed and debearded); 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 pound firm white fish (cod, halibut, or similar, cut into chunks); ½ pound calamari (sliced into rings); Salt and black pepper (to taste); Fresh parsley (chopped); Toasted crusty bread (for serving)

Choose shallow bowls to show off the vibrant seafood and rich red broth.
Always serve with toasted bread to soak up every drop of flavor.
Finish with an extra sprinkle of parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
Pair with a crisp dry white wine or a light lager.
Add a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to complete the meal.

Helpful Tips

Buy the freshest seafood possible. Mussels should be tightly closed and fish should smell clean and briny.
Control the heat level by adjusting chili flakes.
Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for extra texture.
Prepare the tomato base ahead of time, then add seafood just before serving.

Variations

1. Seafood Feast Version

Add clams, scallops, or chunks of crab for a more luxurious stew.

2. Light Broth Option

Skip the tomato paste and use extra seafood stock for a clearer, lighter-style stew.

3. Herb-Forward Twist

Incorporate fresh thyme, dill, or tarragon for a brighter herbal finish.

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Cool completely before freezing in sealed containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently over low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can frozen seafood be used?
Yes. Fully thaw and pat dry before adding to the stew.

Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can make the broth in advance. Add the seafood only when reheating to avoid overcooking.

Which wine works best?
A dry white such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds brightness without overpowering the broth.

Can I include more vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, carrots, or fennel make delicious additions.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cioppino delivers bold coastal flavors in a comforting bowl. Rich tomato broth, tender seafood, and fragrant herbs come together beautifully, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Flexible, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare, this stew deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.