Linguine In Red Clam Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

Linguine in red clam sauce offers a flavorful seafood pasta experience with rich tomato and garlic notes, perfect for seafood lovers and quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 c. minced onions
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 c. clam juice
  • 1/4 c. white wine
  • 2 (6 1/2 oz.) cans minced clams
  • 2 c. canned peeled tomatoes
  • 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 1 lb. linguine

Instructions

  1. Drain one can of clams and reserve the liquid from the other can.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add minced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  5. Pour in clam juice and white wine, bring to a simmer.
  6. Add the canned minced clams (both drained and reserved liquid), canned peeled tomatoes, and tomato paste.
  7. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Meanwhile, cook linguine in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
  9. Toss cooked linguine with the clam sauce and serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick or a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving. If fresh clams are available, they can be substituted for canned clams for a more authentic taste. To save time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the linguine in red clam sauce with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A side of garlic bread complements this dish perfectly, while a simple green salad can provide a refreshing contrast. For a complete seafood experience, browse more Italian recipes that feature seafood.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the linguine and clam sauce gently over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of clam juice or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Linguine In Red Clam Sauce contains roughly 319 calories, with 8g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2104mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

319 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.5g 15% DV
Total Fat 8.1g 10% DV
Carbs 36.3g 13% DV
Fiber 5.9g 21% DV
Sugar 6.9g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2103.6mg 91% DV
Potassium 1111.2mg 24% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 29.7mg 33% DV
Calcium 83.1mg 6% DV
Iron 7.8mg 43% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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, fresh clams can be used for a more authentic taste. Just steam them until they open, then add them to the sauce instead of the canned clams. Be sure to reserve the clam juice for added flavor in the sauce.

Is there a gluten-free option for the linguine?

Absolutely! Look for gluten-free linguine made from rice or corn. The cooking time may vary slightly, so check the package instructions for best results. The sauce remains delicious with gluten-free pasta.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To enhance the spice level, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also incorporate diced fresh chili peppers into the sauce for an extra kick, tailoring it to your heat preference.

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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