Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the Italian coastline with Lady Gail's legendary Clam Sauce! This mouthwatering recipe is not just another pasta dish - it's a symphony of flavors that combines the briny richness of fresh clams, the warmth of garlic, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just 25 magical minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans clams, drained
- 1 cup white wine
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cans of clams, 1 cup of white wine, 3 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1 pound of spaghetti, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Next, add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.
- Pour in the white wine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off and the sauce reduce slightly.
- After the wine has simmered, add the drained clams to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat the clams through, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the clam sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too dry. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste the sauce, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, plate the spaghetti and clam sauce, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious Lady Gail's Clam Sauce!
Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh ingredients - especially the white wine and clams, as they form the backbone of this dish's incredible flavor.
- Don't overcook the garlic; it should be fragrant but not browned, which can make it bitter.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps bind the sauce to the spaghetti perfectly.
- Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and easy tossing of the pasta with the sauce.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, don't hesitate to increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Fresh parsley is key for garnish - it adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
