Linguine with Clams (30 Minutes)

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Linguine with clams is a classic Italian dish that showcases the delicate flavors of fresh clams combined with al dente pasta. The linguine is cooked until perfectly tender, and the clams are steamed in a flavorful broth, infusing the pasta with their briny essence.

The dish is then enhanced with garlic, white wine, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Tossed with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil, this linguine with clams recipe is a celebration of simple and delicious flavors.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 ounces linguine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 24 littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the white wine. Let it simmer for a minute to allow the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
  4. Add the clams to the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the clams open up. Discard any clams that remain closed.
  5. Once the clams have opened, add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta with the flavorful juices from the clams. Cook for an additional minute to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
  6. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final toss.
  7. Divide the linguine with clams among serving plates. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over each portion and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

If possible, opt for fresh, live clams for the best flavor. Ensure they are tightly closed and discard any that remain open after tapping them lightly. Rinse and scrub the clams before cooking. Don’t overcook the clams: It’s important to cook the clams just until they open.

Overcooking them can result in tough and rubbery texture. Discard any clams that do not open during cooking. Choose a good quality white wine as the wine contributes to the flavor of the dish. This dish is best enjoyed immediately. Buon appetito!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 23mg

Pair this with...

Fresh Spinach Salad

Start by washing and drying fresh spinach leaves, which will serve as the vibrant base of your salad. Hull and slice some ripe strawberries, their juicy sweetness a perfect contrast to the spinach. Crumble in some creamy feta cheese, which adds a delightful salty tang. For that crunch, toss in a handful of your favorite nuts—be it toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. When it comes to dressing, a simple balsamic vinaigrette works wonders. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

Green Beans with Almonds

Begin by trimming the ends of your fresh green beans. Bring a pot of water to a boil, toss in the beans, and blanch them for just a few minutes until they're bright green and slightly tender. Drain them and dunk in cold water to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant color. On the side, toast some roughly chopped almonds in a dry skillet until they're golden and fragrant. In the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil or butter, and sauté the green beans briefly to warm them up. Toss in the toasted almonds, give everything a good stir, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

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