Spaghetti In White Clam Sauce
Creamy and savory spaghetti in a white clam sauce with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for seafood lovers and quick elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet, then add salad oil and heat.
- Saute minced garlic and drained minced clams in the hot oil mixture over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in finely chopped fresh parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and drain well.
- Return cooked spaghetti to the pot.
- Pour the clam sauce over the spaghetti, toss lightly to combine, and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your spaghetti in white clam sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce while simmering. If you're short on clams, you can substitute with canned tuna for a different yet tasty seafood experience. Fresh herbs can be swapped for dried ones, but use one-third the amount for a balanced taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, while a glass of white wine complements the seafood flavors. For a heartier option, serve alongside a fresh Tomato Lasagna Roll-Ups for a delightful Italian-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti and clam sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or broth to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti In White Clam Sauce contains roughly 536 calories, with 35g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (173% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (158% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (136% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1107mg per serving (48% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh clams! Just steam them until they open and chop before adding them to the sauce. Ensure to discard any unopened clams and adjust the cooking time as fresh clams may require slightly longer to incorporate into the dish.
What pasta works best with clam sauce?
While spaghetti is traditional, other pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine work wonderfully too. For a unique twist, try using tagliatelle for a heartier base that holds the sauce well. It’s all about personal preference and what you have on hand!
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To adapt this recipe for vegetarian diets, simply skip the clams and use sautéed mushrooms or artichokes for a hearty texture. You can also create a creamy white sauce similar to Shrimp Alfredo Sauce using butter, cream, and Parmesan for a rich, satisfying alternative.
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).