Spaghetti With Clam And Vegetable Sauce
A flavorful Italian-inspired spaghetti dish featuring tender clams, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for seafood lovers and family dinners alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Place the garlic and butter in a large, heavy pot over low heat until the butter is melted.
- Add drained clams, saving the juice.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped celery, sliced zucchini, chopped green onions, chopped tomatoes, and chopped parsley.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add clam juice (reserved juice plus bottled clam juice).
- Simmer the sauce until it has cooked down to a slightly thick consistency, at least 15 minutes.
- Taste for salt; if needed, add a small amount and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti, with extra clam sauce on the side to add as desired.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter sauce, consider using olive oil instead of butter. You can substitute the clams with shrimp or scallops for a different flavor profile. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can be added for extra color and nutrients. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish is reminiscent of other seafood recipes that highlight fresh ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the flavors. A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with this meal. For a delightful variation, consider serving it alongside Grandma Bee'S Red Clam Sauce for a unique twist on flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or clam juice to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat the spaghetti separately and combine them just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Clam And Vegetable Sauce contains roughly 1252 calories, with 22g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 111g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (108% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and potassium (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 609mg per serving (26% 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 use fresh clams! Just ensure they are properly cleaned and steam them until they open before adding them to the sauce. Adjust the cooking time as necessary to accommodate the fresh clams.
What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?
You can easily substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, spinach, or even asparagus can work well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for harder vegetables to ensure everything is tender and cooked through.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This spaghetti with clam and vegetable sauce is great for meal prep. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate until you're ready to eat to avoid sogginess. It reheats well and makes for a quick, delicious meal any day of the week.
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).