Spicy Garlic Clam Pasta Sauce
Indulge in this tantalizing Spicy Garlic Clam Pasta Sauce that elevates the flavors of fresh shellfish with an exhilarating kick! This quick and easy recipe incorporates a tantalizing blend of minced clams, rich garlic, and creamy sauce, delivering an exciting taste sensation without the fuss. Perfect for pasta lovers seeking depth in flavor, it pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette and a crisp salad, making it an ideal dish for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests. Customize the spice level to suit your palate, and experience how this creamy sauce becomes a crowd-pleaser at any meal!
4
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Minced clams
12 ounces (drained, liquid reserved)
Garlic cloves
4-10 (minced, adjust to taste)
Large onion
1 (chopped large)
Extra virgin olive oil
3-4 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Whipping cream
1 pint (for sauce base)
Hot pepper flakes
2 tablespoons (or to taste)
Dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon (to enhance flavor)
Pasta of choice
to serve (cooked al dente)
Shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and hot pepper flakes; sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, avoiding any browning.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and dried parsley. Continue to sauté for an additional minute or two until the garlic is fragrant.
3
Pour in the reserved clam juice, reduce the heat, and let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
Carefully add the whipping cream to the skillet, continuing to simmer over low heat until it is warmed through. Avoid bringing the mixture to a boil to maintain the creaminess.
5
Gently fold in the drained clams and heat through until just warmed, being cautious not to overcook the clams to prevent toughness.
6
Serve the sauce generously over the pasta of your choice, garnishing with shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. A sprinkle of additional parsley can enhance the presentation.
7
Enjoy your Spicy Garlic Clam Pasta Sauce with crusty bread, perfect for dipping in the rich sauce!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Garlic Clam Pasta Sauce?
It is a flavorful pasta sauce featuring minced clams, garlic, and a creamy base with a spicy kick from hot pepper flakes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this clam pasta sauce easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy recipe that avoids fuss while delivering deep flavor.
What type of clams are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of minced clams, drained, with the liquid reserved.
How much garlic should I use?
You can use between 4 and 10 cloves of minced garlic, depending on your personal taste preference.
What is the spice source in this dish?
The heat comes from approximately 2 tablespoons of hot pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your liking.
What kind of cream is best for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 pint of whipping cream to create a rich and creamy sauce base.
Why do I need to reserve the clam juice?
The reserved clam juice is added to the skillet and simmered to allow the flavors to meld and enhance the seafood taste.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The clam juice mixture should simmer for 15 to 20 minutes before adding the cream.
Can I boil the sauce after adding the cream?
No, you should avoid bringing the mixture to a boil once the cream is added to maintain the desired creaminess.
When should I add the minced clams to the sauce?
The clams should be folded in at the very end and heated through just until warmed to prevent them from becoming tough.
What is the recommended pasta for this sauce?
You can use any pasta of your choice, though cooking it al dente is recommended.
What garnish is used for this dish?
The dish is typically garnished with shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette for dipping and a crisp fresh salad.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains about 9 grams of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
The recipe provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
Are there many carbohydrates in this dish?
There are approximately 12.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, while the recipe calls for dried parsley flakes, fresh parsley can be used as an excellent garnish.
Is the onion sautéed until brown?
No, the onion should be sautéed only until it becomes soft and translucent.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe specifies 3 to 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, its exciting taste and elegant presentation make it ideal for entertaining guests.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Absolutely, you can customize the amount of hot pepper flakes to suit your palate.
What category of cuisine does this fall under?
It is categorized as European, specifically with Italian influences.
How do I ensure the clams don't get rubbery?
By only heating them through at the very end and being cautious not to overcook them.
Is the cheese integrated into the sauce?
The cheese is primarily used as a garnish to taste rather than being melted directly into the base sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 9 main ingredients.
Can I make this for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe suitable for a fast dinner.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is rich, creamy, and contains small pieces of minced clams and onion.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber information?
The nutritional data provided does not specify fiber content.