Clam Linguine
A classic Italian-American pasta dish that's both elegant and incredibly easy to make. Tender clams are tossed with linguine in a light, flavorful sauce of white wine, garlic, and a hint of red pepper. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Linguine
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- c.Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- d.Before draining, carefully reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta in a colander.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Start the Sauce
- b.While the pasta is cooking, open the cans of clams and drain the juice into a separate bowl; set both aside.
- c.In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- d.Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Do not let it brown or it will become bitter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Deglaze and Build Flavor
- b.Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze. Increase the heat slightly and bring to a simmer, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
- c.Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- d.Add the reserved clam juice to the skillet and bring it back to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Pasta and Sauce
- b.Add the drained linguine directly to the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs to toss the pasta thoroughly, ensuring it's well-coated.
- c.Add the chopped clams, pieces of butter, and chopped fresh parsley to the skillet.
- d.Continue to toss for 1-2 minutes until the butter has melted into a glossy sauce and the clams are just heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- c.Divide the clam linguine among four warm bowls.
- d.Garnish with a little fresh lemon zest and additional chopped parsley before serving immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcook the pasta initially; it will continue to cook for a minute in the sauce. Pull it from the water when it's perfectly al dente.
- 2The reserved pasta water is liquid gold! Its starchiness helps the sauce emulsify and cling beautifully to the linguine.
- 3Add the canned clams at the very end. They are pre-cooked and only need to be heated through; overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- 4Use a good quality dry white wine that you would enjoy drinking for the best flavor.
- 5For a fresh alternative, scrub 2 pounds of littleneck or Manila clams. Add them to the pan after the wine reduces, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes until they open. Discard any that remain closed.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a finely chopped fresh chili (like a Fresno or serrano) along with the garlic for an extra kick.
CreamyCreamy
For a richer sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese along with the butter at the end.
With Fresh TomatoesWith Fresh Tomatoes
Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet after the garlic has cooked for a minute. Cook until they just start to soften before adding the wine.
HerbyHerby
Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano or thyme along with the parsley for a more complex herbal flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Clams are an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Excellent Source of Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of iron from the clams, a mineral crucial for producing red blood cells, transporting oxygen, and preventing anemia.
Contains Heart-Healthy Fats
The use of extra virgin olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels.
Packed with Vitamin B12
Clams are one of the best natural sources of Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function, the formation of DNA, and the production of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Clam Linguine contains approximately 450-550 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used, such as the type of pasta and the amount of oil.