Spaghetti And White Clam Sauce
A flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring a savory white clam sauce with garlic, shallots, parsley, and wine, perfect for seafood lovers and special dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots; cook until lightly browned.
- Add the chopped parsley, clam juice, and white wine; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for fifteen minutes.
- Add the clams and cook for five more minutes.
- Cook the spaghetti separately until al dente.
- Serve the clam sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
- Optional: sprinkle with hot pepper flakes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest when finishing the sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the butter with vegetable broth. Fresh clams can enhance the dish, but canned clams are a convenient alternative. Be cautious with salt, as clam juice can be quite salty. Experiment with herbs like basil or thyme for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti and clam sauce with a side of garlic bread to complement the dish. A light green salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the sauce. For a delightful twist, try pairing it with a glass of dry white wine, which enhances the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with Shrimp And Bay Scallop Marinara for a seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover clam sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in a saucepan over low heat to avoid toughening the clams. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture of the clams.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti And White Clam Sauce contains roughly 1089 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1899mg per serving (83% 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 in place of fresh or canned clams. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Follow the same cooking times, but check for doneness as frozen clams may vary slightly.
What if I don't have dry white wine?
If you don't have dry white wine, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. The flavor won't be as complex, but it will still work well with the other ingredients.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Cook it according to package instructions, and the clam sauce will pair perfectly without compromising on flavor.
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).