This Cioppino is a classic San Francisco–style seafood stew, perfect for chilly nights or special gatherings. It combines a medley of shellfish and fish in a rich, flavorful tomato and wine broth. This version from Skinnytaste delivers all the comfort and elegance of traditional cioppino with a lighter, healthier approach—without sacrificing flavor.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 medium shallots, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup dry white wine

• 2 cups seafood stock or clam juice

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp dried basil

• 1 lb littleneck clams, scrubbed

• 1 lb mussels, scrubbed and debearded

• 1 lb sea scallops, tough muscle removed

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 lb firm white fish (like cod or halibut), cut into chunks

• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and shallots, cooking until softened. Stir in garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes.

2. Build the Broth:
   Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, wine, stock, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, and basil. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.

3. Add Shellfish:
   Add clams and mussels, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes or until they begin to open.

4. Add Seafood:
   Add scallops, shrimp, and fish. Simmer uncovered for another 5–7 minutes or until the seafood is just cooked through and opaque.

5. Finish and Serve:
   Discard any unopened clams or mussels. Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot—optionally with crusty bread.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290 kcal

• Protein: 34g

• Fat: 7.5g

• Saturated Fat: 1.2g

• Carbohydrates: 14g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 6g

• Sodium: 875mg

A Seafood Lover’s Dream

What sets cioppino apart from other seafood stews is its abundance of variety. Rather than focusing on one or two types of seafood, it invites a medley of ocean treasures into one pot: briny clams, plump mussels, tender scallops, succulent shrimp, and chunks of flaky white fish. This combination creates a layered flavor profile that is as satisfying as it is nutritious.

Each bite offers something different—one spoonful might deliver the sweet, delicate flavor of scallops, while the next brings the firm, buttery texture of cod. It’s a feast of contrasts and complements, bound together by the rich and aromatic tomato and wine broth.

The Power of the Broth

The broth is the backbone of a good cioppino. Simmered with tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, white wine, and seafood stock or clam juice, it becomes deeply flavorful without being heavy. The acidity of the tomatoes balances the sweetness of the shellfish, while the wine adds a subtle fruitiness and depth. Herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil infuse the broth with a Mediterranean warmth, and a bay leaf provides an earthy background note that enhances the seafood.

This version embraces clean, wholesome ingredients, omitting any heavy creams or added fats, so the seafood shines through. It’s a broth you’ll want to soak up with every last bit of crusty bread on your plate.

Perfect for Chilly Nights or Elegant Dinners

Cioppino is one of those rare dishes that fits both casual comfort food cravings and elegant dinner parties. Its warming nature and robust flavors make it ideal for cold evenings, especially when paired with a glass of wine and good company. At the same time, its dramatic presentation—steaming shellfish nestled in ruby red broth—makes it a showstopper on any holiday or celebration menu.

Served with toasted baguette slices or rustic sourdough, cioppino becomes a meal that feels both generous and refined. It’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be made with care.

A Healthier Take on a Classic

Traditionally, cioppino can be quite indulgent, especially when butter, sausage, or extra oils are involved. This version streamlines the ingredients without compromising taste. With lean seafood as the protein base and a tomato-forward broth that’s naturally low in fat and high in antioxidants, it’s a dish that satisfies your taste buds and supports your wellness goals.

Each serving offers high protein, low saturated fat, and an array of vitamins and minerals. The inclusion of shellfish like mussels and clams adds iron and zinc, while the fish and shrimp provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a nourishing meal that offers both comfort and balance.

Simple Ingredients, Sophisticated Results

Despite its impressive flavor and presentation, cioppino is surprisingly simple to prepare. Most of the work is in building the base—sautéing aromatics like onion, shallots, and garlic, then layering in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, wine, and stock. After a brief simmer, you add the seafood in stages, respecting their individual cooking times to ensure everything is tender and perfectly cooked.

This thoughtful assembly pays off in every spoonful. It’s a one-pot meal that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort and cleanup—making it ideal for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or a no-fuss dinner that still feels gourmet.

Customizable and Crowd-Friendly

One of cioppino’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. While this version includes clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, and white fish, you can adapt it to suit your preferences or what’s available at the market. Crab legs, squid, lobster tails, or even firm chunks of salmon can all make excellent additions. You can make it more luxurious or more rustic depending on your mood and budget.

It’s also easy to scale up or down. Hosting a large gathering? Double the recipe and serve it family-style in a big pot at the center of the table. Cooking for two? Halve the ingredients and enjoy a cozy, seafood-forward dinner without overwhelming leftovers.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Cioppino is best served piping hot, ladled into wide bowls with generous chunks of seafood and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and brightness. A side of crusty bread—either lightly toasted or grilled—is essential for sopping up the flavorful broth. You can also add a side salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew.

For drinks, a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, echoing the wine used in the broth while cleansing the palate. Alternatively, a light, citrusy beer or sparkling water with lemon also complements the dish’s bold flavors.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Cioppino is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for a day or two in the refrigerator. As with most seafood dishes, it’s important not to overcook the seafood when reheating, so use gentle heat and avoid boiling. The broth itself can be made a day ahead and stored separately from the seafood, which can be added and cooked just before serving. This makes it a great make-ahead option for entertaining or meal prep.

Because the broth continues to develop flavor overnight, making it in advance can even enhance the overall dish. Simply reheat the broth, add the seafood, and serve fresh for the best result.

Why Cioppino Belongs in Your Recipe Collection

Cioppino is more than just a stew—it’s a culinary experience that celebrates the bounty of the sea in a single, beautiful dish. It’s a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, combining hearty, satisfying textures with elegant flavor. It’s as at home at a candlelit dinner as it is on a Sunday family table, and it invites creativity, customization, and a sense of celebration.

With its roots in humble fishing communities and its rise to fine dining menus, cioppino carries with it a rich story that adds depth to every bite. It reminds us that food is not just nourishment—it’s tradition, expression, and joy.

Conclusion

This light and wholesome take on classic cioppino captures everything that makes the original beloved: bold seafood flavors, a robust tomato and wine broth, and an inviting presentation that warms both heart and body. It’s a dish that’s endlessly adaptable, nutritionally rewarding, and surprisingly easy to make.

Whether you’re introducing it to your family for the first time or preparing it for long-time fans, this San Francisco–style seafood stew is bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. With every steaming, savory spoonful, cioppino delivers a coastal escape and a culinary comfort that never goes out of style.