Green Pasta With Shrimp And Clams
Green pasta with shrimp and clams offers a vibrant, flavorful seafood experience, combining fresh herbs, spicy red pepper flakes, and tender pasta for a satisfying meal perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 18 cherrystone clams
- 4 qt. water
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried hot red pepper flakes
- 1 lb. medium sized shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 24 whole basil leaves, rinsed and patted dry ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 lb. green pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- Shuck the clams and reserve the juice.
- Discard the shells.
- Chop the clams coarsely and set aside.
- Bring water to a boil and add salt to taste. Add the pasta.
- Cook for 1 1/2 minutes after the water returns to a boil. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the water.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet and add the minced garlic.
- Cook briefly without browning the garlic.
- Add red pepper flakes, shrimp, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring the shrimp and shaking the skillet for about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped clams to the skillet.
- Cook for about 15 seconds, then add the basil leaves and chopped parsley.
- Stir to blend and remove from heat.
- Pour the cooked pasta into a kettle and add the reserved clam juice.
- Heat thoroughly.
- Add the reserved water and butter.
- Pour the shrimp and clam mixture into the pasta and toss to blend.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the shrimp. If you don’t have cherrystone clams, you can substitute with smaller clams or even canned clams in a pinch. For a lighter dish, use whole wheat or gluten-free green pasta. Fresh herbs are key; if basil is unavailable, try using a mix of parsley and oregano.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta garnished with additional fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with Zippy Italian Dressing. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious clam juice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Pasta With Shrimp And Clams contains roughly 4698 calories, with 17g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 513g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2408mg per serving (105% 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 other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute green pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as linguine or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose. The flavors will still meld beautifully with the shrimp and clams.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of dried hot red pepper flakes or add fresh sliced chili peppers while cooking the shrimp. Just be careful not to overpower the other flavors. Also, consider pairing with a spicy seafood recipe for added heat.
What can I do if I can't find fresh clams?
If fresh clams are unavailable, you can use canned clams as a convenient substitute. Drain them and add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking. You can also explore other seafood options like mussels or shrimp to maintain the oceanic 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).