Spaghetti With Clams
A flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring tender clams, garlic, herbs, and a rich clam sauce, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet and add the olive oil, pepper, oregano, basil, garlic, clams, and clam juice.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add salt to taste.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
- Place the cooked spaghetti in a bowl and pour the clam sauce over it.
- Toss with cheese and parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the clam sauce while it simmers. If fresh clams aren't available, canned clams work well, but rinse them to reduce excess salt. For a healthier twist, swap out half the butter for extra olive oil. This dish can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your spaghetti with clams with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes a wonderful side dish. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes featuring seafood, such as Oysters Italian or Shrimp With Pizzaiola Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of clam juice or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Clams contains roughly 374 calories, with 13g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (87% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2126mg per serving (92% 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 this recipe. Just ensure to thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking. They may require a few extra minutes to cook through, so adjust your simmering time accordingly.
What can I substitute for clam juice?
If you don’t have clam juice, a mix of seafood stock or vegetable broth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce can serve as a good substitute. This will still provide a depth of flavor to your sauce without clams.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can make the clam sauce a few hours in advance and warm it just before serving. Cook the spaghetti separately right before serving to maintain its texture and avoid it becoming mushy.
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).