Clam And Spinach Pasta
A flavorful seafood pasta with garlic, spinach, and tomatoes, featuring tender clams in a savory broth—perfect for a quick, satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop garlic, shallots, and onion, then sauté in olive oil for about 5 minutes.
- Defrost the frozen spinach, preferably in the microwave.
- Drain the spinach in a strainer and sauté it with the garlic, shallots, and onion.
- Chop the plum tomatoes and add them to the sautéed mixture.
- About 5 minutes before serving, add the canned chopped clams and clam juice to the mixture.
- Serve the clam and spinach mixture over cooked pasta of your choice.
- Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for added spice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh spinach instead of frozen, which can also be sautéed quickly. If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese. You can substitute fresh clams for canned, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian version, omit the clams and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam and spinach mixture over your favorite pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti, for a delicious meal. Pair with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the seafood beautifully. For an added kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or parmesan cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or clam juice to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta gummy. This dish can also be frozen, but the texture may change upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clam And Spinach Pasta contains roughly 1836 calories, with 28g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 126g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and protein (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1357mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
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, you can use fresh clams. Steam them until they open and then add them to the sautéed mixture in place of the canned clams. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
What type of pasta works best with this dish?
While any pasta can work, longer shapes like linguine or fettuccine are ideal as they catch the sauce well. If you prefer shorter pasta, consider penne or rigatoni, which will also hold the flavorful clam and spinach mixture nicely.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the clam and spinach mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving. Reheat the clam mixture gently on the stove and combine with the pasta for the best texture and flavor.
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).