Linguine And Clams
A classic Italian seafood pasta featuring linguine, fresh clams, garlic, and parsley, offering a flavorful, briny dish perfect for seafood lovers and elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, cover the bottom of a pan with oil and half of the garlic cloves, sautéing carefully to avoid browning.
- Add a handful of fresh parsley to the pan.
- Pour in the bottle of clam juice and add the opened, cleaned, and halved clams.
- Strain the clam juice to remove sand and add it to the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then shut off the heat.
- Drain the cooked linguine and add it to the pan with the clam mixture.
- Add a pat of butter, toss to combine, and top with grated Locatelli cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or freshly chopped herbs such as thyme or basil to the clam sauce. If fresh clams are unavailable, canned clams can be a great substitute. Be careful not to overcook the linguine; it should be al dente to hold up well in the sauce. For a twist, try pairing it with Aunt Kathy'S Pasta Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the linguine and clams immediately for the best texture. Garnish with extra grated Locatelli cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad, such as Nique'S Italian Sunset Salad, and a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio 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 linguine and clam mixture in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or clam juice to prevent drying out. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguine And Clams contains roughly 1369 calories, with 61g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (188% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (159% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2075mg per serving (90% 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 make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the dish. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Just be aware that the texture might differ slightly from fresh clams.
What can I substitute for Locatelli cheese?
If you can't find Locatelli cheese, Pecorino Romano or Parmesan can be great alternatives. They will provide a similar salty and nutty flavor that complements the dish well. Grating the cheese fresh right before serving will enhance its flavor.
How do I know when the clams are cooked?
Clams are cooked when their shells open, indicating they are safe to eat. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking, as they may not be safe to consume. Keep a close eye on them during the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
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).