Name: Cioppino Seafood Stew: Discover Authentic Italian Comfort
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 48 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (opt for high-quality extra virgin for enhanced flavor); 1 medium Fennel Bulb (substitute with celery for a milder taste); 1 medium Yellow Onion (sweet onions or shallots will work, too); 2 cloves Garlic (always use minced fresh garlic for best results); 1 teaspoon Whole Fennel Seeds (or ground fennel can be used in half the amount if pressed for time); 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to your preference or omit for a milder stew); 28 ounces Canned Crushed Tomatoes (fresh tomatoes are an option but increase cooking time); 4 cups Seafood Stock (clam juice or homemade stock are great alternatives); 1 cup Dry White Wine (Pinot Grigio) (choose a wine that's enjoyable on its own, avoiding cooking wine); to taste Kosher Salt (essential for seasoning); to taste Black Pepper (essential for seasoning); 1 pound Cod Fillets (cut into chunks; substitute with haddock or tilapia if desired); 1 pound Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined); 8 ounces Sea Scallops (cut these in half for quicker cooking); 1 pound Mussels (ensure they’re fresh and scrubbed clean); 1 pound Littleneck Clams (soak and scrub them thoroughly before cooking); 2 tablespoons Anise-Flavored Liqueur (Pernod or Pastis) (omit for a milder stew or replace with a splash of ouzo); to taste Parsley (a fresh herb garnish)

The moment you catch a whiff of a bubbling pot of Cioppino Seafood Stew, a wave of comfort rushes over you, filling your kitchen with the inviting scents of garlic, fresh seafood, and bright herbs. This dish, rooted in Italian tradition and inspired by Ina Garten’s beloved recipe, transforms your dinner table into a seaside feast, perfect for both casual weeknights and special gatherings. What I love most about this cioppino is its surprisingly quick prep time—you can whip up this hearty, one-pot meal in under an hour! Not only does it deliver a high-protein punch, but it also brings people together, making it an ideal choice for sharing and savoring each delicious bite. What’s your favorite seafood to include in a steaming bowl of stew?

Why Is Cioppino Seafood Stew So Appealing?

Fresh Ingredients: The blend of seafood and herbs creates an unforgettable taste, celebrating the essence of Italian cuisine.

One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy the simplicity of preparation—everything comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Quick Cooking: Ready in under an hour, this recipe makes weeknight dinners effortless without sacrificing taste.

Customizable Options: Tailor the stew to your personal preferences—from adding crab to choosing your favorite fish, the options are endless.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, this dish encourages sharing and celebration while boasting healthy, high-protein ingredients. If you love seafood as much as I do, you may also enjoy exploring the delightful flavors of Stuffed Shrimp Savory or enjoying the rich flavors of a Stuffed Seafood Bread.

Cioppino Seafood Stew Ingredients

• Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious Cioppino Seafood Stew that’s bursting with flavor!

For the Base

Olive Oil – Adds richness; opt for high-quality extra virgin for enhanced flavor.
Fennel Bulb – Provides a sweet, anise-like base; substitute with celery for a milder taste.
Yellow Onion – Brings depth and sweetness; sweet onions or shallots will work, too.
Garlic – Elevates the flavors with freshness; always use minced fresh garlic for best results.
Whole Fennel Seeds – Introduces a subtle licorice touch; ground fennel can be used in half the amount if pressed for time.
Red Pepper Flakes – Delivers heat; adjust to your preference or omit for a milder stew.

For the Broth

Canned Crushed Tomatoes – Contributes acidity and body; fresh tomatoes are an option but increase cooking time.
Seafood Stock – Adds depth; clam juice or homemade stock are great alternatives if seafood stock isn’t available.
Dry White Wine (Pinot Grigio) – Brings necessary acidity; choose a wine that’s enjoyable on its own, avoiding cooking wine.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust them according to your taste.

For the Seafood

Cod Fillets – A firm fish that holds well in stew; substitute with haddock or tilapia if desired.
Large Shrimp – Adds texture; choose peeled and deveined to save prep time.
Sea Scallops – Offers a delicate flavor; cut these in half for quicker cooking.
Mussels – Bring briny flavor; ensure they’re fresh and scrubbed clean.
Littleneck Clams – Offers variety; soak and scrub them thoroughly before cooking.

For the Finishing Touch

Anise-Flavored Liqueur (Pernod or Pastis) – Enhances the unique flavor; omit for a milder stew or replace with a splash of ouzo.
Parsley – A fresh herb garnish for brightness; feel free to swap in basil or cilantro for a different flavor note.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cioppino Seafood Stew

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced fennel and chopped yellow onion, stirring occasionally. Sauté these aromatics for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender and fragrant, giving your kitchen an enticing aroma that signals the start of your Cioppino Seafood Stew.

Step 2: Build Flavor
Once the fennel and onion have softened, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of whole fennel seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir these mixture and cook for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the mixture is shimmering. This step infuses the base of the stew with layers of flavor, making it irresistible.

Step 3: Simmer Broth
Pour in a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes along with 4 cups of seafood stock, 1 cup of dry white wine, and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and allow it to simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. This simmering time will deepen the flavors of your stew, creating a robust and comforting broth.

Step 4: Add Seafood
Gently layer in your seafood: starting with 1 pound of cod fillets cut into chunks, followed by 1 pound of large peeled shrimp, 8 ounces of halved sea scallops, and 1 pound of scrubbed mussels. Take care not to stir, as you want the seafood to cook evenly. Cover the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened.

Step 5: Add Liqueur
After the seafood has cooked, gently stir in 2 tablespoons of anise-flavored liqueur such as Pernod. Cover the pot once more and let it sit for about 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This step adds a unique depth to your Cioppino Seafood Stew that elevates the dish.

Step 6: Serve
Before serving, discard any unopened mussels, as they are not safe to eat. Ladle the rich, hearty stew into bowls, making sure to distribute the seafood evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Serve this delightful Cioppino Seafood Stew hot, accompanied by crusty sourdough bread for dipping, and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Tips for the Best Cioppino Seafood Stew

Fresh Seafood Matters: Always choose the freshest seafood available. Poor quality can impact the flavor and overall experience of your cioppino seafood stew.
Garlic Greatness: Don’t skimp on fresh garlic. The aromatic punch adds an essential layer of flavor, making your stew truly delicious.
Layer Vs. Stir: When adding seafood, layer it in rather than stirring. This ensures even cooking and better presentation, allowing the cioppino seafood stew to shine.
Wine Selection: Use a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking. Avoid cooking wine as it can alter the taste of your stew.
Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap seafood based on taste preferences or seasonal availability. It’s a great way to make the cioppino seafood stew your own.
Resting Time: Allow the stew to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld. This enhances the overall taste and experience!

Make Ahead Options

These Cioppino Seafood Stew ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the broth up to 24 hours in advance by sautéing the aromatics and simmering the base, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. For the best flavor, store your seafood separately and add it just prior to serving, ensuring the seafood stays fresh and tender. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the broth on the stove over medium heat, add your seafood, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the mussels open and the seafood is cooked through. This method saves you precious time on busy weeknights while delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!

Cioppino Seafood Stew Variations

Explore exciting twists to personalize your cioppino seafood stew and make it your own culinary masterpiece!

Dairy-Free: Omit any cheese or cream to ensure a rich yet lactose-free version that still delivers on flavors.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash more of red pepper flakes for an extra layer of heat that’ll warm your soul.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for added nutrition and texture, making it even heartier.
Herb Variation: Swap parsley for fresh basil or cilantro for a unique twist that elevates the stew’s aromatic profile.
Seafood Swap: Feel free to replace cod with your preferred fish or add a decadent touch by including crab meat or lobster.

Craving something a bit different? You might love the flavors in a Stuffed Seafood Bread alongside your cioppino!

Savory Broth: For a fuller flavor, try enriching your broth with a splash of clam juice or even a dash of soy sauce.
Mild Version: If you prefer a gentler taste, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes, and leave out the anise-flavored liqueur.

With these variations, your cioppino seafood stew can continually surprise and delight! Each addition allows you to create a unique bowl that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

How to Store and Freeze Cioppino Seafood Stew

Fridge: Store the cioppino seafood stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding extra seafood if you desire.

Freezer: Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stove until heated through.

Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of seafood stock or water to enhance the broth’s flavor and maintain its delicious texture.

Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the base a day in advance for convenience. Just add seafood at the time of serving to maintain freshness.

What to Serve with Cioppino Seafood Stew?

Picture a vibrant dinner table filled with delightful accompaniments that enhance every spoonful of your hearty cioppino seafood stew.

Crusty Sourdough Bread: The perfect partner for soaking up that flavorful broth, its chewy texture complements the stew beautifully.
Garlic Butter Breadsticks: Add an extra layer of indulgence; these buttery delights bring a comforting flavor that pairs well with seafood.
Simple Green Salad: A refreshing mix of mixed greens and lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, balancing the meal perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized flavors from seasonal veggies provide a sweet contrast, making each bite a delightful experience.
Risotto: Creamy, savory risotto adds richness and warmth, complementing the seafood while offering a wonderful mouthfeel.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dish’s flavors, making your meal feel special.
Lemon Sorbet: A light and refreshing dessert, it cleanses the palate and provides a sweet finish after a hearty stew.
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and luscious, these potatoes offer a comforting touch against the savory stew.
Charcuterie Board: A selection of cured meats and cheeses provides a delightful pre-meal snack, setting the stage for your cioppino experience.

Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best seafood for my cioppino seafood stew?
Absolutely! Freshness is key when it comes to seafood. Look for shiny, moist, and odorless fish, and ensure that shellfish are tightly closed or close when tapped. For variety, you can use local favorites that are in season, such as crab or different types of clams.

How should I store leftover cioppino seafood stew?
You can easily store the cioppino seafood stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove. I often add a little extra seafood stock to enhance the flavors if it needs a little moisture.

Can I freeze cioppino seafood stew?
Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months! I recommend portioning it into airtight containers. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it on the stove until it’s heated through, adding a splash of water or stock if necessary to restore its lovely texture.

What can I do if my mussels don’t open while cooking?
Very important! If any mussels remain closed after cooking, it’s best to discard them as they may not be safe to eat. Be sure that you’re working with fresh mussels; sometimes, soaking them in water with a little flour before cooking can help clean any sand inside.

Can I make cioppino seafood stew ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the base of your cioppino seafood stew a day in advance! Just skip adding the seafood and let it cool before refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the base and add your seafood to ensure it’s fresh and perfectly cooked.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If anyone at your table has shellfish allergies, you can modify the recipe by using only firm fish or shrimp. It’s also a good idea to check the wine used for any sulfite sensitivities. Always ensure your seafood is from sustainable sources for healthier choices!