Liz'S Clam Sauce
Liz's Clam Sauce offers a rich and savory blend of chopped clams, garlic, and parsley, complemented by buttery and oily notes. Perfect for seafood lovers, it pairs beautifully with spaghetti or your favorite pasta, providing a quick yet flavorful dish ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan.
- Lightly brown the garlic in the oil.
- Add the butter and parsley to the pan.
- Stir in the canned chopped clams with their juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the drained, cooked spaghetti and add it to the clam sauce.
- Toss well to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after browning the garlic. If you want a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be a great addition. You can also substitute the canned clams with fresh clams if available; just make sure to steam them until they open. Pairing with crusty bread is also a great way to enjoy the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam sauce over al dente spaghetti for a classic dish. A fresh green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this meal. For a fuller spread, consider serving alongside a simple Italian recipes like Basic Pasta Salad. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch to the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the clam sauce in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the clams tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Liz'S Clam Sauce contains roughly 1871 calories, with 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 204g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 621mg per serving (27% 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, you can absolutely use fresh clams! Just ensure they are cleaned and steamed until they open, and incorporate them into the sauce as you would the canned clams. This can elevate the dish's freshness and flavor.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While spaghetti is a classic choice, you can use other types of pasta like linguine or fettuccine. The key is to choose a pasta that holds the sauce well, allowing you to enjoy every bit of the clam sauce.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make the dish heartier, consider adding cooked vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms. You could also serve it alongside a protein like grilled shrimp or chicken for a more substantial meal.
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).