Classic Linguine with Creamy White Clam Sauce
Indulge in the simplicity and comfort of this Classic Linguine with Creamy White Clam Sauce, a dish that captures the essence of coastal dining right in your home. With a harmonious blend of sweet clams, aromatic herbs, and a hint of zest from lemon, this recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy weekend meal or a simple weeknight dinner. In just under 20 minutes, you can serve a delightful pasta dish that has been cherished by families for generations. Pair it with a slice of warm, crusty bread and a chilled glass of white wine to elevate your dining experience.
4
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (Combined with butter)
Onion
1 small (Diced)
Garlic
4 cloves (Minced)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 pinch (To taste)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Basil
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon (To enhance flavor)
Minced/chopped clams
3 cans (With juice)
Parsley
1 teaspoon (Chopped, for garnish)
Parmesan cheese
To taste (Grated, for serving)
Linguine or thin spaghetti
1 lb (Cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
Bring a large 5-quart pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or thin spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until bubbling.
3
Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4
Add the lemon juice, oregano, basil, and Old Bay Seasoning, stirring to combine, and let the mixture simmer for about 1 minute.
5
Carefully add the minced clams along with their juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7
Combine the drained pasta with the clam sauce in a large bowl, tossing gently to coat. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
8
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, alongside crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
30
Carbs
12
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Classic Linguine recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is canned minced or chopped clams.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This recipe is very quick and can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
What type of pasta is best for this clam sauce?
Linguine or thin spaghetti are the recommended pasta types for this recipe.
Should I drain the canned clams?
No, do not drain the clams; the juice is a key component of the sauce flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
What is the purpose of reserving pasta water?
The reserved pasta water is used to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
Is this clam sauce recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.
What seasoning provides the unique flavor in this dish?
Old Bay Seasoning is used to enhance the seafood flavors in this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What are the nutritional calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of jarred?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 4 cloves of minced garlic for the best flavor.
What type of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and quality.
Is there any dairy in the sauce?
The sauce uses butter for richness and is often garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Can I substitute the dried herbs with fresh ones?
Yes, you can use fresh oregano and basil, but you may need to increase the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What should I serve as a side dish?
It is traditionally served with warm, crusty bread and a chilled glass of white wine.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
What kind of onion is best?
A small diced white or yellow onion works best for this savory sauce.
Can I add more lemon juice?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with extra lemon juice at the end if you prefer more zest.
What garnish is recommended?
The dish is best garnished with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
How much pasta do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 pound (16 oz) of linguine or thin spaghetti.
Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?
Yes, though the cooking time and method for cleaning the clams will differ from this quick canned version.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 12 grams of protein per serving.
Does the sauce require heavy cream?
No, this is a white clam sauce that gets its 'creamy' feel from butter and clam juice rather than heavy cream.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the butter with more olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese garnish.
How long should I simmer the clams?
The clams should simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the brightest flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is a mild and flavorful family-friendly dish, though you can omit the red pepper flakes for sensitive palates.
What size pot should I use for the pasta?
A large 5-quart pot is recommended for boiling the pasta.
How do I know when the pasta is 'al dente'?
The pasta is al dente when it is cooked through but still has a slight firmness when bitten.