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Quick Linguine with Clam Sauce

Quick Linguine with Clam Sauce
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Quick Linguine with Clam Sauce is a flavorful and effortless Italian seafood pasta dish combining tender linguine with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and a silky savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it balances simplicity with gourmet taste, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood and Pasta

  • 1 lb fresh clams
  • 12 oz linguine pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about one cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Cook the Clams: Pour in dry white wine and bring to a gentle simmer. Add fresh clams to the pan, cover with a lid, and let steam for 5-7 minutes until clams open up. Discard any clams that do not open to avoid bitterness.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained linguine directly into the skillet with the clam sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and make it silky smooth.
  5. Finish with Fresh Touches: Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then give everything one last toss before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Choose fresh clams and rinse well to remove sand.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; linguine should be al dente.
  • Use reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
  • Control heat carefully to avoid burning garlic.
  • Make sure all clams are fully opened after steaming for safety and tenderness.
  • Variations: add more red pepper flakes for heat, swap parsley for basil or oregano, use canned clams or gluten-free pasta, or stir in cream for a richer sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: linguine, clam sauce, quick seafood pasta, Italian pasta, easy dinner, white wine sauce, garlic pasta

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/quick-linguine-with-clam-sauce/