Easy weeknight seafood pizza for quick dinners

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner idea, this Easy weeknight seafood pizza is a game-changer. Loaded with fresh seafood and vibrant toppings, it combines the irresistible flavors of the ocean with cheesy, crispy pizza perfection. It’s a simple, delicious, and wholesome meal that comes together fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight but you still want something special on the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: Comes together quickly, ideal for busy weeknights when time is limited.
• Fresh and flavorful: The seafood and herbs pack a bright, fresh taste in every bite.
• Balanced nutrition: Combines protein-rich seafood with veggies and cheese for a well-rounded meal.
• Customizable toppings: Easily adjusted to include your favorite seafood or veggies.
• Family-friendly: A delicious way to introduce seafood to picky eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully selected to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures for your easy weeknight seafood pizza. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s the seasoning, seafood, sauce, or cheese, ensuring every slice bursts with taste.

• Pre-made pizza dough: Saves time and provides a chewy, crispy base that bakes beautifully.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
• Garlic cloves: Finely minced to bring a fragrant, savory punch.
• Tomato sauce: The essential base layer for moisture and tanginess.
• Cooked shrimp: Tender and juicy, shrimp makes the perfect seafood topping.
• Fresh mussels or clams: Adds briny, oceanic flavor and a fun bite.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, stringy texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled for a sharp, nutty finish.
• Fresh basil leaves: Adds herbaceous brightness that balances seafood.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a touch of spicy heat.

Variations for Easy weeknight seafood pizza

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to swap or add ingredients based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to play around with flavors to make it your own.

• Swap seafood: Use crab meat, scallops, or calamari instead of shrimp and mussels for different textures.
• Vegetarian version: Replace seafood with artichokes, roasted red peppers, and olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Cheese blend: Try adding fontina or gouda alongside mozzarella for richer flavor.
• Gluten-free crust: Use store-bought or homemade gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary needs.
• White sauce base: Substitute tomato sauce with a garlic and herb cream sauce for a luscious alternative.

How to Make Easy weeknight seafood pizza

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out your pre-made pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet to be ready for toppings.

Step 2: Make the garlic olive oil base

In a small bowl, mix olive oil with finely minced garlic. Brush this flavorful mixture evenly over the surface of the dough to add a light, fragrant base before spreading the sauce.

Step 3: Add tomato sauce and cheese

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top, then add a light dusting of parmesan for depth.

Step 4: Top with seafood and season

Evenly distribute cooked shrimp and pre-cooked mussels or clams. Be careful not to overload the pizza to keep the crust crispy. For a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like.

Step 5: Bake the pizza

Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

Step 6: Finish with fresh basil

Remove the pizza from the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves on top, slice, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Easy weeknight seafood pizza

• Use pre-cooked seafood: This prevents overcooking during baking and keeps seafood tender.
• Don’t overload toppings: Too many toppings can make your pizza soggy, so keep it balanced.
• Preheat your oven well: A hot oven ensures a crispy crust every time.
• Brush the crust with oil: Helps it brown beautifully and adds extra flavor.
• Fresh herbs last: Always add basil and other fresh herbs after baking to maintain their aroma.

How to Serve Easy weeknight seafood pizza

Garnishes

Top your pizza with extra fresh basil or a light drizzle of lemon juice just before serving to brighten flavors and add a zesty kick.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly to cut through the richness of the cheese and seafood. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables also make fantastic complements.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice into smaller, appetizer-sized pieces for a seafood pizza party or serve alongside a sparkling white wine for an elegant weeknight dinner that feels special without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain seafood tenderness.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze the dough before baking rather than the cooked pizza to preserve texture. Freeze dough balls wrapped in plastic wrap for up to a month.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pizza in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes on a baking sheet to avoid sogginess and refresh the crisp crust.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this pizza?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain seafood thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the crust soggy.

What if I don’t have pre-made pizza dough?

You can use store-bought pizza bases or make a quick dough from scratch using flour, yeast, water, and a pinch of salt if time allows.

Is it possible to make this pizza dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese entirely and enjoy the fresh seafood flavors instead.

Can I add vegetables to the seafood pizza?

Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach are excellent choices that complement the seafood well.

How spicy should I make the pizza?

Spiciness is up to your taste; a pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way but can be left out for a milder option.

Final Thoughts

This Easy weeknight seafood pizza is a wonderful way to bring incredible flavor to your dinner table without demanding too much time or effort. Whether you’re surprising your family or simply craving something fresh and tasty, this pizza will become a fast favorite. Don’t wait to try it—you might just be making this delicious meal a regular in your weeknight rotation!

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