Get ready to transport yourself to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy with this extraordinary Clam Linguini recipe that has been passed down through generations. Mom Margaret's special dish is more than just a meal—it's a culinary journey that combines the briny freshness of clams, the rich depth of white wine, and the aromatic magic of garlic and parsley. Perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or when you simply want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 cans clams, drained
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the linguini is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the white wine and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the wine to reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes, which will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- After the wine has reduced, add the drained clams to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the clams are heated through. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer.
- Once the linguini is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained linguini directly to the skillet with the clam sauce.
- Gently toss the linguini in the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parsley if desired.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The simplicity of this dish means each component really shines.
- Don't overcook the garlic—it should be fragrant, not burnt. Golden and aromatic is the key.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the linguini.
- Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor profile.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its peak texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg
