Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti glistening with a delicate white wine sauce, adorned with succulent clams that whisper tales of Mediterranean shores. This classic Italian pasta dish is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food lover, this Pasta with Garlic and Clams recipe will elevate your cooking skills and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 400g clams, cleaned
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, thoroughly clean the clams under cold running water, discarding any that are already open or have damaged shells.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour the white wine into the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Let the wine reduce by half, which takes approximately 3 minutes.
- Add the cleaned clams to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the clams open. Discard any clams that remain closed.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the clams. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently mix to ensure even coating.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring each serving gets an equal number of clams.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality clams and discard any that are already open before cooking or don't open during cooking.
- Don't rush the garlic - sauté it gently to release flavor without burning, which can make it bitter.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial! Its starchy consistency helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Use a good quality white wine you'd actually enjoy drinking - the flavor concentrates during reduction.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture of both pasta and clams.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 587kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 28mg
