Fettuccine With Clams And Zucchini
A flavorful pasta dish featuring tender clams, fresh zucchini, garlic, basil, and a white wine sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and those craving a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the clams in several changes of cold water, rubbing with a stiff brush.
- Put the clams in a pot with 1/2 cup of water and cover.
- Cook over high heat until the clams open, stirring and removing each clam as it opens.
- Pour the liquid into a bowl, leaving sand behind, and set aside.
- Remove the clam meat from shells and keep them moist in the bowl of liquid.
- Soak the zucchini in cold water for 20 minutes, then cut off ends and dice into 1/2-inch cubes.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/2 cup of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and chopped garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add the diced zucchini and cook until slightly tender.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and cook until it reduces slightly.
- Add the cooked clam meat and reserved clam liquid; season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the fettuccine in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Tear basil leaves and add to the pasta, stirring gently.
- Serve immediately garnished with additional basil if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic. If you can't find littleneck clams, you can substitute with small cockles or Manila clams. To save time, you can use pre-diced zucchini or even frozen zucchini cubes, though fresh is recommended for the best texture. This dish can also be adapted to include shrimp for a variation similar to Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish immediately for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine to complement the clams. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables. Explore more Italian recipes to create a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta mushy and the clams tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fettuccine With Clams And Zucchini contains roughly 3096 calories, with 70g protein, 400g carbohydrates, and 131g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (141% of the Daily Value), iron (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2109mg per serving (92% 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 frozen clams for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen clams, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The texture might differ slightly from fresh clams, but they will still work well in this dish. Just ensure they're properly cleaned and cooked through.
What if I can't find fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn't available, you can substitute with dried basil, though the flavor will be more concentrated. Use about one teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh. Alternatively, you can use other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the clams are cooked?
Clams are cooked when they open up during the steaming process. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking, as they are not safe to eat. The cooking time can vary, but it usually takes just a few minutes over high heat.
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).