Pasta with clam sauce is a classic Italian dish that is both delicious and easy to make. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy date night meal. Clams are a great source of protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 (6.5-ounce) cans chopped clams, drained with juice reserved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the clam juice and white wine to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped clams to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the clam sauce. Toss to coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top.
Vegetarian/Vegan Version
To make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the clams with mushrooms. Simply chop up 8 ounces of mushrooms and add them to the skillet in step 4. You can also use vegetable broth instead of clam juice.
For a vegan version, use the same substitution as the vegetarian version and omit the cheese.
Variations
- Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta for some extra flavor.
- Use spaghetti or fettuccine instead of linguine.
- Add some chopped tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for some extra sweetness.
- Use canned whole clams instead of chopped clams.
- Add some cooked shrimp or scallops to the sauce for an extra seafood flavor.
Enjoy your delicious pasta with clam sauce, and let us know in the comments which variation you liked the most!
FAQ
Can I use bottled clam juice instead of fresh clams?
Yes, you can use bottled clam juice instead of fresh clams. However, you will miss out on the texture and flavor of the actual clams in the dish.
Should I rinse the canned clams before using them?
It is not necessary to rinse the canned clams before using them, as they are already cooked and cleaned. However, you can rinse them if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. However, long, thin pasta such as spaghetti or linguine work best with clam sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as chopped tomatoes or spinach to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs. However, the flavor will not be as fresh and vibrant as using fresh herbs.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can use butter instead of olive oil. However, olive oil is a healthier option and adds a nice flavor to the dish.
Is it necessary to use white wine?
No, it is not necessary to use white wine. However, it does add a nice depth of flavor to the dish. If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with chicken broth.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later. However, the pasta may become slightly overcooked and the sauce may become thicker upon reheating.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. However, the texture and flavor of the pasta may be slightly altered upon thawing and reheating.
Can I use fresh clams instead of canned clams?
Yes, you can use fresh clams instead of canned clams. However, you will need to clean and cook the clams before adding them to the dish.
