15 Minute Linguine With Clam Sauce

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

A quick and flavorful linguine with clam sauce, combining tender clams, garlic, onions, and a creamy milk-based sauce. Perfect for seafood lovers seeking a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes, this dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad and crusty bread for a complete dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cans chopped clams
  • 1 Tbsp chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 Tbsp parsley
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 Tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch
  • 1/2 lb linguine pasta

Instructions

  1. While the pasta cooks, sauté butter, chopped onions, and minced garlic in a skillet.
  2. Add the juice from the canned chopped clams and the milk to the skillet.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the thickener (arrowroot or cornstarch) and the chopped clams.
  4. Before removing from heat, stir in parsley, then remove from heat.
  5. Pour the clam sauce over the cooked linguine.
  6. Sprinkle with Italian cheese and serve with a salad and bread.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using fresh clams instead of canned. You can substitute heavy cream for milk for a creamier sauce. If you don't have arrowroot, cornstarch works well as a thickener. To save time, prep your ingredients while the water heats up for the linguine. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes featuring seafood for a delightful meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the linguine and clam sauce hot, topped with freshly grated Italian cheese for added flavor. This dish is perfect alongside a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with Seafood Linguine Mornay or other Italian seafood recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover clam sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to prevent the sauce from thickening too much. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture of the sauce and pasta.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 15 Minute Linguine With Clam Sauce contains roughly 670 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value).

670 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.9g 6% DV
Total Fat 60.9g 78% DV
Carbs 27.8g 10% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 14g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 129.1mg 6% DV
Potassium 200.4mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 171.9mg 57% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 56.9mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 7.5mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 129.3mg 10% DV
Iron 3mg 16% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?

Yes, fresh clams can be used for a more authentic flavor. Steam them until they open, then add to the sauce just before serving. Make sure to discard any clams that do not open during cooking.

What can I substitute for linguine?

If you don't have linguine, spaghetti or fettuccine are excellent alternatives. You can also use gluten-free pasta for a suitable option if you're avoiding gluten.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also serve the dish with a side of hot sauce or sprinkle some sliced fresh chili on top before serving.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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