Linguine With Clam Sauce-Red(Linguine Con Le Vongole)
Linguine with flavorful clam sauce is a classic Italian dish featuring fresh clams, garlic, tomato sauce, and herbs, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan.
- Saute garlic until golden, then remove and discard garlic.
- Set aside the oil.
- Strain clam juice through several layers of cheesecloth and set aside.
- Wash and chop the clams.
- Add clam juice and water to the oil and bring to a boil.
- Add tomato sauce, pepper, salt, oregano, and chopped clams to the boiling mixture.
- Cook on medium-low heat for 25 minutes.
- Add the chopped clams and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Turn off heat and keep the pan covered until linguine is cooked according to package directions.
- Cook linguine in boiling salted water until al dente.
- Drain linguine and serve topped with the clam sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. If fresh clams are unavailable, canned clams can be a convenient substitute. Use low-sodium tomato sauce to control the salt level. To add a hint of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the dish. For a spicier kick, incorporate red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A light green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette pairs nicely to balance the richness of the clam sauce. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Pasta-E-Tasule for a complete Italian meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover clam sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the clams tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguine With Clam Sauce-Red(Linguine Con Le Vongole) contains roughly 619 calories, with 22g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (334% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and iron (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2017mg per serving (88% 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 dried clams instead of fresh?
Yes, dried clams can be used, but they require soaking beforehand. Follow the package instructions for soaking time to ensure they rehydrate properly before adding them to the sauce.
What type of tomato sauce is best for this recipe?
A simple marinara or crushed tomatoes works best. Look for options without added sugars or preservatives to keep the flavors authentic. For a twist, try a spicy arrabbiata sauce for added heat.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can create a vegan version by substituting the clams with mushrooms or artichokes for a similar texture. Use a vegetable-based tomato sauce and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
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).