Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of perfectly cooked linguini, adorned with succulent clams and a tantalizingly aromatic garlic sauce that promises to awaken your taste buds. This classic Italian seafood pasta isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of Mediterranean coastal cooking in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food lover looking to impress, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a charming Italian trattoria with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguini
- 2 cans clams, drained
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add linguini to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour white wine into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Add drained clams to the garlic and wine mixture. Gently stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Drain the cooked linguini and add directly to the skillet with clams. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with a lemon wedge on the side.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to seafood and garlic.
- Reserve pasta water before draining—its starchy magic helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Don't overcook the garlic; it should be golden and fragrant, not burnt and bitter.
- Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor profile.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of clam juice or a pinch of anchovy paste.
- Fresh parsley is non-negotiable—it adds brightness and a pop of color to the dish.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture of both pasta and clams.
- For a spicier version, don't be shy with those red pepper flakes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg
