Main Courses > Seafood Dishes > Shellfish > Clam Linguine

Classic Clam Linguine

Indulge in the timeless flavors of Italy with our Classic Clam Linguine recipe. Fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and a touch of red pepper flakes create a symphony of tastes that will transport you to the Mediterranean coast. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 500 g Linguine pasta
  • 1 kg Fresh clams (Manila or Littleneck)
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1/2 cup Dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley
  • To taste Salt
  • To taste Black pepper
  • 1/2 Lemon

Preparing the Clams

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the clams. Place them in a large bowl of cold water with a handful of salt. Let them soak for about 20 minutes, allowing them to expel any sand or grit. Rinse the clams under cold running water before proceeding.

Cooking the Aromatics

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Adding the Clams and Wine

Add the cleaned clams to the pot. Pour in the white wine. Cover the pot and let the clams steam for about 8-10 minutes, or until they all open. Discard any clams that do not open.

Cooking the Pasta

While the clams are steaming, cook the linguine pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. Cook until al dente.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta to the pot with the clams. Toss to combine. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

Serve the clam linguine immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 180kcal, Protein: 10g, Fat: 5g, Carbohydrates: 25g. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This dish is relatively low in fat and high in protein. Consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Adjust salt levels as needed. Those with shellfish allergies should avoid this recipe.

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FAQ

  • Can I use canned clams instead of fresh clams?

    While fresh clams are highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use canned clams in a pinch. Drain them well and add them to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
  • What kind of white wine should I use?

    A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Vermentino works well in this recipe.
  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

    It's best to serve clam linguine immediately, as the pasta can absorb the sauce and become mushy if left to sit for too long. However, you can prepare the clam sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta just before serving.