White Clam Sauce(Salsa Alle Vongole)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

A quick and flavorful white clam sauce featuring garlic, herbs, and tender clams, perfect for seafood lovers and ideal for a satisfying pasta meal.

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Ingredients

  • 10 oz. linguine pasta
  • 1/4 c. olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp. chopped parsley
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. coarsely ground pepper
  • 1 c. minced clams or whole littleneck clams with juice
  • 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir in chopped parsley, salt, oregano, and coarsely ground pepper.
  5. Add the minced or whole clams with juice to the skillet and cook until thoroughly heated, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the clam mixture and stir to thicken the sauce.
  7. Pour the clam sauce over the cooked linguine, toss to combine, and serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using fresh clams instead of canned, but ensure they are cleaned properly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more flour gradually. Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried, but use less as it's more concentrated. To enhance the dish, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. This recipe pairs beautifully with Italian Bruschetta.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the white clam sauce over the linguine immediately for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with additional parsley for freshness. A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce, and a simple green salad complements the meal well. This dish is delightful with a chilled glass of white wine.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the pasta and alter the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of White Clam Sauce(Salsa Alle Vongole) contains roughly 759 calories, with 9g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1477mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

759 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.2g 18% DV
Total Fat 63.1g 81% DV
Carbs 57.8g 21% DV
Fiber 24.6g 88% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1476.8mg 64% DV
Potassium 1174.2mg 25% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 31.9mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Calcium 556.6mg 43% DV
Iron 13.2mg 73% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten Shellfish

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 work well in this dish. Just make sure to thaw them completely before use. They may require a little extra cooking time to ensure they are heated through. Following the same steps will yield a delicious sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the linguine with a gluten-free pasta of your choice. Be sure to check that the flour used to thicken the sauce is also gluten-free. The flavors will remain delightful, accommodating gluten-free diets.

What can I add to make this dish more substantial?

To add more protein, consider incorporating shrimp or scallops along with the clams. You can also toss in some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color. These additions will enhance the dish's complexity.

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).

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