Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy prep time? Then look no further! This linguine with red clam sauce recipe is your answer. It's a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. This recipe delivers a vibrant, flavorful experience showcasing the natural sweetness of clams and the satisfying texture of perfectly cooked linguine. Let's dive into this simple yet impressive recipe, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for delicious and healthy meals.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a spontaneous weeknight dinner.
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
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Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Build the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and white wine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add the Clams: Add the scrubbed clams to the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the clams open. Discard any clams that do not open.
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Combine & Serve: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the clam sauce. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Dish
- Fresh Clams are Key: Using fresh, high-quality clams makes all the difference in the flavor of your dish. Ensure they're well scrubbed before cooking.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key to a great dish. Cook it just until it's tender but still has a slight bite.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder sauce, omit them altogether.
- Wine Selection: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the clams beautifully.
Variations: Explore Your Culinary Creativity
- Add Vegetables: Enhance your dish by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Creamy Clam Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 60-70g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This easy linguine with red clam sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of fresh clams, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a truly satisfying and healthy meal. Enjoy!