Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more
  • salt, for the pasta water
  • 2 lbs mussels, scrubbed, debearded
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon hot paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 lb linguine
  • 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 14 cup olive oil
  • 12 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • 12 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Method

  • Heat salted water to a boil in a stockpot.
  • Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Toss mussels, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, 1/2 teaspoons salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl.
  • Transfer mussels to skillet; cook, covered, shaking pan occasionally, 8 minutes until mussels are open; discard any mussels that haven't opened.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid.
  • Return pasta to stockpot; toss with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, remaining 1/2 teaspoons of salt, pepper and reserved cooking liquid.
  • Transfer to a serving platter, pour mussels and any of their cooking liquid on top, garnish with cheese.
  • Serve immediately.