Are you craving that rich, creamy, intensely flavorful clam sauce that's synonymous with the Old Spaghetti Factory? Forget the long wait and high prices! This recipe brings that iconic taste right to your kitchen, offering a delicious and surprisingly easy way to create a truly memorable meal. Get ready to transport your taste buds back to those classic Italian-American dinners with this homemade version of their famous clam sauce. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and trust me, it's even better than you remember!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe prioritizes fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on how many servings you need.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 (10-ounce) cans minced clams, undrained (look for quality brands!)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Simple Journey to Deliciousness
Follow these easy steps for a perfect Old Spaghetti Factory Clam Sauce experience at home.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan 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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Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
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Add Clams and Sauce: Stir in the undrained canned clams and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Creamy Perfection: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer and Thicken: Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
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Pasta Perfection: While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti or linguine according to package directions.
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Combine and Garnish: Drain the pasta and add it to the saucepan with the clam sauce. Toss gently to coat. Stir in the fresh parsley.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese is a delicious addition!
Cooking Tips for a Restaurant-Quality Dish
- Fresh Clams (Optional): For an even more luxurious flavor, consider using fresh clams. Clean them thoroughly and steam them before adding them to the sauce.
- Wine Selection: Don't be afraid to experiment with different dry white wines. The wine adds depth of flavor, so choose one you enjoy.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Adjust the Cream: For a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream. You can even substitute half-and-half or milk.
Variations: Explore Your Culinary Creativity
- Lemon-Garlic Clam Sauce: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the sauce for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
- Spicy Clam Sauce: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño pepper for a spicier kick.
- White Clam Sauce: Omit the tomato sauce for a classic white clam sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This homemade Old Spaghetti Factory Clam Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease, deliciousness, and customizable nature make it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and best recipes. Enjoy!