linguini and white clam sauce recipe

linguini and white clam sauce recipe

The Best linguini and white clam sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – linguini and white clam sauce. This dish is a classic Italian recipe that originated in the coastal regions of Italy, where fresh seafood was abundant.

The combination of tender linguini pasta, succulent clams, and a rich, creamy sauce is simply divine. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them.

They can’t get enough of the briny flavor of the clams and the way the pasta seems to absorb all the flavors of the sauce. As for me, I adore how this recipe brings together the simple pleasures of home cooking – fresh ingredients, a warm kitchen, and a sense of tradition passed down through generations.

It’s a true comfort food that never fails to put a smile on my face. Whether we’re having it as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a special occasion, this linguini and white clam sauce is always a good idea.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create this delicious dish in no time. So go ahead, give it a try, and taste the joy for yourself!

Linguini with White Clam Sauce

Linguini with White Clam Sauce

4.6 from 1755 votes

A classic Italian pasta dish featuring tender linguini tossed in a light, savory sauce made with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley. The briny flavor of the clams blends perfectly with the subtle heat of red pepper flakes.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

1 pound dried linguini
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup dry white wine
2 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed
1/2 cup clam juice or reserved pasta water
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2Add the linguini and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, and saute until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
6Pour the white wine into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
7Add the scrubbed clams and the clam juice, then cover the skillet with a lid.
8Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until all clams have opened.
9Discard any clams that remain closed.
10Add the drained linguini directly to the skillet with the clams and sauce.
11Toss everything together over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
12Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
13Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
14Serve immediately in warm bowls with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the pasta.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 580mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For best results, use fresh littleneck clams and scrub them thoroughly under cold water. If you prefer a milder spice, reduce the red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon. The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently, but cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.

Watch Video Of How Linguini with White Clam Sauce Works

This linguini and white clam sauce recipe is truly one of our family’s favorites – it’s perfect for any occasion whether we’re having it as part of a special dinner party or just need something quick and comforting on a busy weeknight. The combination of flavors is incredible – from the briny taste of the clams to the rich creaminess of the sauce coating every bite perfectly.

We love serving this dish at family gatherings because everyone always asks for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!) As an added bonus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make – just remember to have all your ingredients ready before starting so you can quickly sauté those garlic cloves and cook your pasta al dente.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Linguini with White Clam Sauce

What type of pasta is best for linguini and white clam sauce?

Long, flat noodles like linguini or fettuccine are perfect for this recipe because they allow the creamy sauce to coat every bite evenly.

Can I use canned clams instead of fresh?

While canned clams are convenient, they can’t replicate the same texture and flavor as fresh clams. If you do choose to use canned clams, be sure to rinse them well with water before adding them to the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Stir in some extra white wine or chicken broth if you find that your sauce has thickened too much. You can also add more garlic or lemon juice for extra flavor without adding more cream or butter.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Reheat gently over low heat before tossing with cooked linguini.

What if I don’t have any fresh parsley on hand?

You can substitute chopped basil or oregano for parsley if you prefer – they’ll add similar herbal notes to your dish without overpowering it.

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