Red Clam Spaghetti Sauce
A flavorful red clam spaghetti sauce rich in garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, perfect for seafood lovers and ideal over pasta for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped garlic until fragrant.
- Add drained cans of clams, reserve the juice, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, clam juice, parsley, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Optional: Add chopped onions and mushrooms during the sautéing step for added flavor.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. If you prefer a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added when mixing in the spices. You can substitute fresh parsley with dried herbs if needed, but use about one-third the amount. For a gluten-free option, serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce pairs beautifully with cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Complement your meal with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete dining experience. For those seeking variety, try this sauce over linguine for an Italian twist or serve alongside a seafood recipe for a delightful feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or clam juice to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken when chilled. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Clam Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 262 calories, with 12g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value), potassium (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 clams?
Yes, fresh clams can be used in place of canned clams. You'll need about 1 pound of fresh clams. Just steam them until they open and add them to the sauce at the end to avoid overcooking. Reserve some of the clam juice for the sauce for an enhanced flavor.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the clams and clam juice. You can enhance the depth of flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms and additional vegetable broth. This will create a hearty sauce that still delivers a satisfying taste without seafood.
What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?
While spaghetti is a classic choice, this sauce also works well with linguine or fettuccine. If you're looking for a fun twist, consider serving it over penne, which will hold the sauce nicely in its tubes. Explore various pasta shapes to find your favorite pairing!
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).