5 Minute Clam And Parsley Pasta Sauce
A quick, flavorful pasta sauce combining tender clams, fresh parsley, and lemon for a bright, savory dish perfect for a speedy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush the garlic cloves.
- Fry the garlic and loosely chopped parsley in olive oil for 2 minutes.
- Add the canned clams, including juice, lemon juice, and black pepper.
- Serve the sauce over cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quick flavor boost, consider adding red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of white wine to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can work in a pinch, but use less as it’s more concentrated. This sauce also complements Pasta With Garlic for a simple alternative. Remember to use high-quality canned clams for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
This clam and parsley pasta sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti or linguine, creating a light yet satisfying meal. Consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dinner. It can also be a great topping for grilled fish, making it a versatile addition to your Italian recipes repertoire.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the sauce's texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 5 Minute Clam And Parsley Pasta Sauce contains roughly 542 calories, with 22g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (184% of the Daily Value), iron (117% of the Daily Value), and calcium (69% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 51g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Absolutely! If using fresh clams, steam them until they open, then add them to the sauce. Make sure to reserve the cooking liquid to enhance the flavor, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the clams are cooked properly without becoming tough.
What pasta shape works best with this sauce?
While spaghetti and linguine are classic choices, any pasta shape, such as fettuccine or penne, can be used. The key is to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, allowing it to hold up to the sauce without becoming mushy. Explore pairing with Pasta Alla Teresa for more variety!
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving. However, to maintain the best texture, it’s recommended to cook the pasta fresh right before serving. This way, you’ll enjoy the sauce at its best!
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).