Linguine And Clam Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

A flavorful and comforting linguine dish featuring a rich clam sauce with garlic, parsley, and buttery goodness, perfect for seafood lovers and weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 8 cloves crushed garlic
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 (6 oz.) cans clams

Instructions

  1. Melt butter and olive oil in a pan.
  2. Saute garlic until soft and golden with 2 teaspoons of salt.
  3. Add clams and simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Toss with cooked linguine and serve with Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or a splash of white wine while sautéing the garlic. If you don't have clams, you can substitute with canned tuna or shrimp for a different take. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, but dried works in a pinch. For a thicker sauce, add a little pasta water when tossing with the linguine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the linguine and clam sauce with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra parsley for color. A side salad or garlic bread pairs nicely, and a crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the seafood flavors beautifully. This dish also pairs well with Italian recipes like Shrimp Fra Diavalo for a more elaborate meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil or broth to prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the clams rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Linguine And Clam Sauce contains roughly 192 calories, with 10g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (91% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and potassium (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1894mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

192 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.9g 20% DV
Total Fat 12.6g 16% DV
Carbs 15.2g 6% DV
Fiber 10g 36% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1894.1mg 82% DV
Potassium 1896.6mg 40% DV
Cholesterol 22.5mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.8mcg
Vitamin C 44.7mg 50% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 55.5mg 4% DV
Iron 16.4mg 91% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly High-fiber Under 400 cal
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 fresh clams instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh clams if you prefer. Just steam them in the pan until they open before adding to the sauce. Fresh clams will provide a more intense flavor, but be sure to clean them thoroughly and discard any that do not open.

What type of pasta works best?

While linguine is traditional, you can also use spaghetti or fettuccine if you prefer. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold onto the sauce well, so avoid overly thin varieties. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the clams and use vegetable broth instead of clam juice. You can add sautéed mushrooms or artichokes for an earthy flavor. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious and satisfying pasta dish without seafood.

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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