Clams In Cream Sauce
Creamy clam and parsley linguine with buttery sauce offers rich, savory flavors perfect for seafood lovers and elegant yet comforting meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the canned clams and reserve the juice.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Mix milk and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add the milk and cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir constantly.
- Pour in the reserved clam juice and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, then remove from heat.
- In a skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until golden.
- Add the drained clams to the skillet and cook until warm.
- Combine the clam mixture with the cream sauce and serve over cooked linguine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce while cooking. If you're out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute. To thicken the sauce faster, ensure the milk-cornstarch mixture is well combined before adding it to the butter. If desired, you can use fresh clams if available, which pairs beautifully with Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clams in cream sauce over the linguine, garnishing with additional chopped parsley for freshness. A side of crusty garlic bread complements the dish well, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. This dish pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creaminess. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clams In Cream Sauce contains roughly 1460 calories, with 21g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (90% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 466mg per serving (20% 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 for an even more authentic flavor. Just steam them until they open and add them to the sauce, reserving the cooking liquid to enhance the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes into the garlic sauté or mix in some diced jalapeños with the clams. You can also serve with a spicy chili oil drizzled on top.
What can I substitute for linguine?
If you don't have linguine, spaghetti or fettuccine are great alternatives. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed, just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
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).