White Clam Sauce With Linguini
A flavorful white clam sauce with linguini, featuring garlic, parsley, and a touch of wine, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a savory, quick Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic in 1/2 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup butter until golden.
- Add chopped clams, clam juice, parsley, salt, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Put 1 teaspoon oil or butter in water.
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add linguini and cook for 6 minutes.
- Drain linguini and place on a platter.
- Pour wine into the simmering sauce.
- Cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour sauce over linguini and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the sauce, consider using freshly shucked clams instead of canned ones. If you can't find fresh clams, canned clams can work in a pinch but will alter the texture slightly. You can also substitute the linguini with spaghetti or even ziti for a different twist. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a lovely heat to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the white clam sauce over the linguini immediately for the best flavor. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside seafood recipes like Shrimp Cacciatore.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover white clam sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of clam juice or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the texture of the clams.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Clam Sauce With Linguini contains roughly 545 calories, with 2g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 957mg per serving (42% 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, you can use frozen clams, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Frozen clams may have a slightly different texture than fresh ones, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure they're heated through without becoming rubbery.
What can I substitute for clam juice?
If you don't have clam juice, you can use a combination of fish stock and a splash of lemon juice for a similar briny flavor. Alternatively, vegetable broth can work, though it will alter the overall taste of the dish slightly.
How do I know when the linguini is done cooking?
Linguini should be cooked al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Follow the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, but start checking a minute or two before the recommended time. Taste a strand to ensure it's cooked to your liking.
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).