Spaghetti With String Beans, Clams And Vodka
A flavorful pasta dish combining tender green beans, succulent clams, and a creamy vodka sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add crushed garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add plum tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in clam broth and vodka, bringing to a simmer and cooking for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add green string beans and clams, cooking until beans are tender and clams are heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream, then cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the clam and bean sauce, season with freshly grated pepper, and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, use fresh clams instead of canned ones, and consider substituting the string beans with asparagus for a different texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. Additionally, for a creamier sauce, you can increase the cream to 1/3 cup or incorporate some Parmesan cheese, which pairs beautifully with Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful pairing, consider serving it alongside Easy Lasagna And Caesar Salad for a satisfying Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of clam broth or water to the sauce to prevent it from becoming too thick and reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With String Beans, Clams And Vodka contains roughly 799 calories, with 16g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, you can use frozen clams, but be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the sauce. Fresh clams will provide a better texture and flavor, but frozen ones are a convenient alternative if fresh is unavailable.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the clams and use vegetable broth instead of clam broth. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.
What type of spaghetti works best for this dish?
While traditional spaghetti is perfect, you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if you prefer. The key is to cook it al dente to ensure it holds up well when tossed with the sauce.
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).