Linguine With Red Clam Sauce
A bright, garlicky linguine tossed in a zesty tomato‑clam sauce, accented with anchovy paste and red pepper flakes—perfect for a quick, crowd‑pleasing Italian dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add canned tomatoes with juice, breaking them up with a wooden spatula.
- Pour in clam juice, stir in anchovy paste, crushed red pepper flakes, and oregano.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens and the oil floats free.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine during the simmering process. If you're out of clams, you can substitute with canned tuna for a different seafood twist. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference, and for a creamier sauce, stir in a bit of heavy cream at the end. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Shrimp Scampi.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the linguine with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon for added brightness. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad complements this dish well. For a robust meal, consider serving with Spaghetti With Red Clam Sauce or a crisp white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving directly as it can overcook the pasta and make it gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguine With Red Clam Sauce contains roughly 2114 calories, with 10g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 231g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1133mg per serving (49% 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 fresh clams instead of canned?
Yes, fresh clams can be used for a more authentic flavor. Steam them separately and add them to the sauce just before serving. Be sure to clean and discard any clams that do not open during cooking.
What can I substitute for linguine?
If you don’t have linguine, any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine will work nicely. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta alternatives, which will also absorb the sauce well.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, simply cut back on the crushed red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. You can add more oregano or fresh herbs for flavor without the heat.
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).