Thursday, October 9, 2025

A Taste of the Sea: Easy & Elegant Pasta with Clams!

 



 There's something truly magical about a simple bowl of pasta adorned with the briny goodness of fresh clams. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience! Whether you're dreaming of an Italian seaside trattoria or just looking for an impressive yet surprisingly easy dish to whip up at home, my Pasta with Clams recipe (or Spaghetti alle Vongole, as the Italians call it) is here to transport your taste buds.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and a hint of red pepper flakes create a light yet incredibly flavorful sauce that perfectly coats your pasta. It's truly a celebration of fresh ingredients!

Why you'll love this recipe:

  • Elegantly Simple: Looks and tastes gourmet, but is genuinely easy to make.
  • Bursting with Flavor: Fresh clams and a garlic-wine sauce are an unbeatable combination.
  • Quick Dinner: Comes together surprisingly fast, perfect for a weeknight treat or special occasion.
  • Authentic Taste: Captures the essence of classic Italian seafood pasta.

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes (plus clam soaking time) Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
  • 2 pounds fresh littleneck or Manila clams, scrubbed clean
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste, for a bit of heat!)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1/2 cup clam juice (bottled, or reserve some from steaming if clams yield a lot)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Clams: Place the scrubbed clams in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) before cooking. This helps them naturally expel any sand. Discard any clams that are open and don't close when tapped.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Deglaze with Wine: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the white wine and clam juice to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off slightly.
  5. Steam the Clams: Add the cleaned clams to the skillet. Cover tightly with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until all the clams have opened. Discard any clams that did not open.
  6. Combine & Toss: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the clams and sauce. Add the chopped fresh parsley and about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously to combine, allowing the pasta to absorb the delicious clam sauce. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce seems too dry.
  7. Season & Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Dish out into bowls, ensuring each serving gets plenty of clams and sauce. Garnish with additional fresh parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread for soaking up that amazing broth!

Tips for Success:

  • Fresh Clams are Key: Don't skimp here! Fresh, good-quality clams make all the difference.
  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is crucial so it can absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
  • Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water is your secret weapon! It helps emulsify the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the pasta.
  • Heat Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference. A little heat really makes the flavors pop!

Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this incredible Pasta with Clams. It's a true classic for a reason! Let me know in the comments if you give it a try!

 

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