Spaghetti With Red Clam Sauce
Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce is a delightful Italian dish that combines the briny flavor of clams with rich tomatoes and aromatic garlic. Perfect for seafood lovers, this dish is both simple to prepare and impressively delicious, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic in olive oil over low heat (do not burn garlic; if you do, start again).
- Add clam juice, tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and oregano; stir and cook together for 10 minutes.
- Add clams and parsley; cook another 10 minutes.
- Serve over spaghetti or linguine. Sprinkle with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh clams instead of canned, but be sure to clean them thoroughly. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. For a richer sauce, incorporate a splash of white wine while sautéing the garlic. This dish pairs beautifully with Family Cioppino.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti with red clam sauce hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread to soak up the sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside sautéed vegetables or a glass of white wine for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Red Clam Sauce contains roughly 809 calories, with 12g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (215% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (157% of the Daily Value), and calcium (125% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 676mg per serving (29% 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 instead of canned?
Yes, frozen clams can be a great alternative. Just ensure they are thawed completely before adding them to the sauce. Cook them until heated through, adjusting the cooking time as needed since they might take a bit longer than canned clams.
What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?
While spaghetti is traditional, linguine is also an excellent choice due to its ability to hold the sauce well. You can even explore whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options for a healthier twist. Both would complement the clam sauce beautifully.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, you could replace clams with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant for a similar texture. Use vegetable broth instead of clam juice to maintain the flavor profile, making it a delicious alternative for non-seafood eaters.
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).