white clam sauce pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best white clam sauce pasta recipe

I’m so excited to share my favorite white clam sauce pasta recipe with you all today. This dish is a classic for a reason, and I just can’t get enough of it. I first discovered this recipe when I was growing up in a big Italian family.

My nonna used to make it for us all the time, and it was always such a special treat. The combination of tender clams, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is just heavenly. I’ve tried making it with other types of seafood, but there’s just something about the clams that makes it so delicious.

It’s also incredibly easy to make, which is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. And the best part? It’s actually pretty healthy too!

The clams are packed with protein and omega-3s, and the sauce is made with garlic and olive oil, which are full of antioxidants and flavor. Plus, you can customize it to your taste by adding some red pepper flakes or lemon juice for extra kick. I love serving this dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal.

It’s also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings – everyone loves it! My kids request it all the time, and my husband always devours the leftovers (he’s not picky!) The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients – fresh clams, good olive oil, and real Parmesan cheese make all the difference in the world.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own favorite ingredients to make it even more delicious.

White Clam Sauce Pasta

4.7 from 1022 votes

A classic Italian dish featuring a creamy white sauce with tender clams, served over al dente pasta. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb spaghetti
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp red pepper flakes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
6Be careful not to burn the garlic.
7Add the white wine to the skillet and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.
8Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
9Add the clams to the skillet, cover and cook until the clams have opened, about 5-7 minutes.
10Discard any clams that do not open.
11Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
12Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the clam sauce, tossing to combine.
13If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
14Divide the pasta among plates, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Tongs
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute linguine or fettuccine for the spaghetti. Ensure clams are fresh and tightly closed before cooking.

This white clam sauce pasta recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special family gathering. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and reheats beautifully for leftovers or meal prep. When reheating, try adding some extra garlic bread crumbs on top – they’ll help bring out the flavors!

For storage ideas, you can keep leftover clam sauce pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About White Clam Sauce Pasta

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of pasta you like – spaghetti, linguine, or even penne work great! However, I personally prefer using bucatini or fettuccine because they have a slightly larger diameter that helps the sauce cling to them better.

Q: Can I substitute the clams with other types of seafood?

A: While you can use other types of seafood like shrimp or scallops in this recipe, there’s just something about the clams that makes it so special. If you do decide to substitute them, keep in mind that they’ll have a different flavor profile and texture than the clams.

Q: How do I store leftover clam sauce pasta?

A: You can store leftover clam sauce pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months. When reheating, make sure to add some extra garlic bread crumbs on top – they’ll help bring out the flavors!

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes! Simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice flour or quinoa flour. Also, make sure your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free as well.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

A: To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, make sure not to overcook it! If you notice it getting too thick while cooking, simply add some extra olive oil or white wine until you reach your desired consistency.

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