Pasta With White Clam Sauce
A flavorful pasta dish featuring a rich white clam sauce with garlic, parsley, and cream, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant yet simple dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, diced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 cup clam broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped clams ⓘ
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, spaghetti, etc.) ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped celery, onions, and diced garlic; cook lightly until softened.
- Add flour and stir until incorporated into the mixture.
- Lower heat and add cream, stirring until blended.
- Add chopped clams and clam broth to the skillet.
- Partially cover the skillet and cook on the lowest heat for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the clam sauce, tossing to combine.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of fresh and canned clams. You can substitute the dry white wine with vegetable broth or a splash of lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version. Make sure to cook the garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. If you prefer a lighter dish, reduce the cream by half or use half-and-half instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dish garnished with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving alongside a glass of the same dry white wine used in the recipe for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pasta With White Clam Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of clam broth or cream to restore moisture. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can overcook the pasta and make it mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With White Clam Sauce contains roughly 1621 calories, with 36g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (209% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), and potassium (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1142mg per serving (50% 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, frozen clams can be used, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the sauce. Fresh clams offer the best flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch if you follow proper thawing methods.
What type of pasta is best for clam sauce?
Using linguini or spaghetti will allow the sauce to cling beautifully, enhancing the dish's overall flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute regular pasta with a gluten-free variety made from rice or quinoa. Ensure your broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious seafood dish while accommodating dietary restrictions.
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).