Linguine with Clams is a classic Italian dish that combines tender pasta with briny clams and a light, flavorful garlic and white wine sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to make this elegant and delicious meal:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 lbs fresh clams (littleneck or manila, scrubbed)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup clam juice (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Clams:
- Make sure the clams are scrubbed clean. Discard any open clams that don’t close when tapped.
- Cook the Clams:
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
- Pour in the white wine and clam juice (if using), then add the clams. Cover the skillet and let the clams steam for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the clams open. Discard any clams that do not open.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the clams. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinned.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Transfer the linguine with clams to serving plates and garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Tips:
- Wine substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with more clam juice or chicken broth.
- Extra flavor: Add a bit of butter to the sauce for a richer taste.
- Clam types: You can also use canned clams in place of fresh clams if fresh are unavailable. Add them after the garlic and wine step, cooking just until heated.
Linguine with Clams is a simple yet elegant dish with bright flavors and a perfect balance of briny clams and fresh lemon. Let me know if you’d like to customize the recipe!