Clam'S N' White Sauce

Prep: 180 min Cuisine: Italian

A flavorful seafood pasta featuring tender chopped clams in a creamy garlic and parsley white sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and special dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 6 chowder clams or 2 6 oz. cans minced clams
  • 1 lb. linguini
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley
  • 4-6 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Start 3 hours before dinner by putting clams in the freezer.
  2. Open the clams into a bowl, reserving all the clam liquid.
  3. Start boiling water for the linguini.
  4. Crush and chop garlic finely; chop parsley.
  5. Rinse clams in clam juice to remove shell, dirt, or pearls.
  6. Chop the clams finely.
  7. In a skillet, sauté garlic and parsley in olive oil and butter.
  8. Before the garlic starts to brown, carefully pour in the clam liquid.
  9. Leave sand and shell pieces on the bottom of the bowl.
  10. Mix cornstarch with enough water to dissolve and make smooth.
  11. Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
  12. Turn off the heat.
  13. Add chopped clams and serve immediately with cooked linguini.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the garlic and parsley sauté. If you can't find chowder clams, canned minced clams work well as a substitute. To enhance the dish's freshness, toss in some lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Additionally, for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free linguini.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley for color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread on the side. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Seafood Linguini Casserole or Fettuccini With Asparagus And Shrimp.

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 stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or clam juice to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the linguini mushy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Clam'S N' White Sauce contains roughly 1219 calories, with 40g protein, 179g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (171% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1019mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

1219 kcal 61% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 40.1g 80% DV
Total Fat 44.1g 57% DV
Carbs 179.4g 65% DV
Fiber 36.4g 100% DV
Sugar 2.2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1018.8mg 44% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 49.5mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 154.1mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 215.5mg 17% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk 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 frozen clams for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen clams, but make sure to thaw them properly before preparation. The flavor and texture may differ slightly from fresh clams, but they will still contribute a delicious taste to the dish.

What can I substitute for olive oil?

If you don't have olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or a light flavored oil like avocado oil. However, using olive oil enhances the dish's Mediterranean flavors, making it a preferred choice.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and parsley. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference, or serve with a side of spicy marinara sauce for dipping.

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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