Spaghetti with White Clam Sauce
A classic Italian-American pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a light, savory sauce of clams, garlic, white wine, and fresh parsley. It's elegant, quick to make, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Spaghetti
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- c.Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- d.Before draining, use a mug to reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Clams and Sauce Base
- b.While the pasta cooks, open the cans of clams over a bowl to catch all the juice. Set the drained clams aside.
- c.In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the extra virgin olive oil.
- d.Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, 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.Build the Sauce
- b.Carefully pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- c.Increase the heat slightly and let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- d.Pour the reserved clam juice into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 4-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Emulsify
- b.Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce. Add the reserved chopped clams, chopped parsley, and pieces of butter.
- c.Using tongs, toss the pasta vigorously for about 1-2 minutes. This action, combined with the butter and starchy pasta water, will emulsify the sauce, making it silky and helping it cling to the pasta.
- d.If the sauce looks too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Season and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Be cautious with salt, as clam juice is already briny.
- c.Divide the pasta among four bowls. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cook the pasta to al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the hot sauce.
- 2The reserved pasta water is key! Its starchiness is essential for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings to the spaghetti.
- 3Use a good quality dry white wine. If you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it. An unoaked, crisp wine works best.
- 4For a brighter flavor, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving.
- 5Don't add the clams until the very end. This prevents them from becoming tough and rubbery.
Adapt it for your goals.
Use Fresh Clams
Substitute canned clams with 2 pounds of fresh littleneck or Manila clams. After simmering the clam juice (or bottled clam juice), add the scrubbed fresh clams to the skillet, cover, and steam until they open (5-7 minutes). Discard any that don't open.
Creamy VersionCreamy Version
For a richer sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream along with the butter at the end.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the garlic and oil for another layer of flavor.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Sauté some chopped shallots with the garlic, or wilt a handful of fresh spinach into the sauce before adding the pasta.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Clams are a fantastic source of high-quality, low-fat protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle.
Rich in Iron
This dish is packed with iron from the clams, a crucial mineral for producing red blood cells and preventing iron-deficiency anemia, which helps boost energy levels.
Supports Heart Health
The use of extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels.
Boosts Neurological Function
Clams are one of the best natural sources of Vitamin B12, which is vital for maintaining healthy nerve cells and for the production of DNA.
Frequently asked questions
It can be part of a balanced diet. The clams provide lean protein, iron, and vitamin B12, while olive oil offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. However, it is high in sodium from the clam juice and contains refined carbohydrates from the pasta. To make it healthier, use whole wheat spaghetti and be mindful of portion sizes.