Decadent Creamy Clam Pasta
Indulge in the richness of my Decadent Creamy Clam Pasta, a delightful blend of succulent clams, aromatic garlic, and a velvety cream sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with fettuccini or the striking contrast of black squid ink pasta for an eye-catching presentation. With a slight hint of white wine and the option to add fresh tomatoes, every bite is a celebration of flavors that transport you to a seaside trattoria. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for any occasion.
2
Servings
325
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Whole Clams
1 (10 ounce) can (with juice)
Garlic
2 cloves (smashed)
Clam Juice
1 (8 ounce) bottle
White Wine
1 cup (preferably dry)
Heavy Cream
1/2 cup
Tomato
1 medium (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
In a heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat until foamy.
2
Add the whole clams with their juice and the smashed garlic cloves. Cook gently over low heat until the clams are heated through and their edges begin to curl, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Carefully remove the clams and garlic cloves from the skillet. Set aside the clams and discard the garlic.
4
Pour in the clam juice, white wine, and heavy cream into the skillet. Increase the heat to medium and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. The sauce should remain thin to soak into the pasta.
5
If using, stir in the chopped tomato and cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through.
6
Return the clams to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Combine with your choice of pasta, stirring until well mixed.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
22.5
Carbs
12.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Creamy Clam Pasta?
It is a rich seafood dish featuring succulent canned clams, aromatic garlic, and a velvety cream sauce.
How long does it take to cook?
This recipe is very quick and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This specific recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What are the best pasta pairings?
Fettuccini or black squid ink pasta are highly recommended for this dish.
Can I use squid ink pasta?
Yes, squid ink pasta provides a striking visual contrast and complements the seafood flavors perfectly.
Is this suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, its short preparation time makes it an ideal choice for an elegant yet quick weeknight meal.
Should I use fresh or canned clams?
This recipe is specifically designed to use one 10-ounce can of whole clams with their juice.
Do I keep the clam juice from the can?
Yes, the recipe calls for the clams to be cooked with their juice for extra flavor.
What kind of wine should I use?
A dry white wine is preferred to balance the richness of the cream.
Is there a substitute for white wine?
You can use additional clam juice or a splash of lemon juice if you prefer to cook without alcohol.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The sauce uses a combination of butter and half a cup of heavy cream.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be smashed before being added to the skillet.
Are tomatoes required?
No, adding one medium chopped tomato is an optional step for extra flavor and color.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 325 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat in each serving of this pasta.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 12.5 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What happens to the garlic after cooking?
The smashed garlic cloves are used to infuse the butter and are discarded before making the sauce.
How long do I simmer the sauce?
The sauce should simmer for about 10 minutes to reduce slightly.
Should the sauce be thick?
No, the sauce should remain relatively thin so it can effectively soak into the pasta.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, you can serve the dish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.
What garnishes are recommended?
Fresh herbs or parmesan cheese are excellent choices for garnishing.
Is this dish part of Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is inspired by traditional Italian seafood pasta dishes found in seaside trattorias.
How many ingredients are in the list?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients, including the optional tomato.
Can I use unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically recommends 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Is extra clam juice needed?
Yes, besides the juice in the can, you will need one 8-ounce bottle of clam juice.
How do I know when the clams are ready?
Cook them until they are heated through and their edges just begin to curl.
Can the recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve 4 people.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The sauce is naturally gluten-free, but you must use gluten-free pasta to make the complete meal gluten-free.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat until it becomes foamy.