4Cheese and Seafood Don’t Mix

In most Italian households and restaurants, one strict rule applies: you do not sprinkle Parmesan on seafood pasta. No matter how tempting it might be, cheese is thought to overpower the delicate flavors of seafood.

So if you’re enjoying spaghetti alle vongole (clams) or a shrimp linguine, keep the Parmigiano-Reggiano far away. This isn’t snobbery — it’s about balance. Italians believe each ingredient should shine on its own without being masked by dairy.