Creamy White Clam Spaghetti
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Creamy White Clam Spaghetti, a budget-friendly meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Made with tender minced clams and infused with aromatic garlic, this dish is complimented by a rich blend of butter and olive oil, creating a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to your spaghetti. Toss in fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and top it off with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for the ultimate finishing touch. Pair it with a crisp garden salad for a complete meal that tastes extravagant without breaking the bank.
6
Servings
183
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Minced clams
2-7 1/2 cans (drained, saving 3/4 cup of the juices)
Garlic
4 cloves (minced or chopped)
Butter or margarine
1/4 cup (unsalted)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin recommended)
Chopped parsley
3 tablespoons (fresh for best flavor)
Grated Parmesan cheese
to taste (for serving)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the minced clams, reserving 3/4 cup of the clam juices for later use. Set the clams aside.
2
In a large skillet, combine the olive oil and butter over low heat. Allow the mixture to gently melt together.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
4
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the reserved clam juices.
5
Add the chopped parsley and salt to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
After 10 minutes, stir in the reserved clams and continue to simmer for an additional 3 minutes to heat through.
8
Serve the sauce hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite Italian pasta, and finish with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
7g
Carbs
9g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy White Clam Spaghetti?
It is a budget-friendly seafood pasta dish featuring minced clams, garlic, butter, and olive oil, served over spaghetti with Parmesan cheese.
What type of clams should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 7.5-ounce cans of minced clams.
Should I drain the canned clams?
Yes, drain the clams but make sure to reserve 3/4 cup of the clam juice for the sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the primary fats used in the sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of 1/4 cup butter (or margarine) and 1/4 cup olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 4 cloves of garlic, minced or chopped.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for about 2-3 minutes over low heat until it is fragrant and golden.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine.
What type of parsley should I use?
Three tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley are recommended for the best flavor burst.
When do I add the clam juice to the pan?
After sautéing the garlic, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the 3/4 cup of reserved clam juices.
How long does the sauce need to simmer before adding the clams?
The mixture of clam juice, parsley, and salt should simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
When are the minced clams added to the sauce?
Add the reserved minced clams after the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes.
How long do the clams need to cook once added?
Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 3 minutes after adding the clams to heat them through.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this sauce?
Cooked spaghetti is the primary recommendation, but any of your favorite Italian pastas will work.
Is Parmesan cheese included in the sauce?
No, the grated Parmesan cheese is added as a topping to taste when serving.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 183 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 9 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a high-fiber meal?
No, it is relatively low in fiber, containing about 0.5 grams per serving.
What side dish pairs well with this recipe?
A crisp garden salad is suggested to create a complete and balanced meal.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a budget-friendly meal that tastes extravagant without being expensive.
What category of meal does this fall under?
It is categorized as Lunch/Snacks, though it is also suitable for a quick dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients required.
Do I need to add salt to the sauce?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
Is this recipe part of a specific cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Italian cuisine.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley provides the best flavor, you can use dried if fresh is unavailable.
Is there any sugar in the nutritional facts for this recipe?
No sugar content is listed for this specific recipe.
What should I watch out for when sautéing the garlic?
Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce taste bitter.