Description
Savor the flavors of Linguine with Clams, a delightful dish featuring tender pasta in a fragrant garlic and white wine sauce, fresh clams, and a touch of lemon. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this recipe combines vibrant ingredients for an elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 pounds fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water).
- Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the linguine and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (avoid browning the garlic).
- Pour in the dry white wine, bringing it to a simmer and cooking for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the scrubbed clams to the skillet, cover with a lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes until the clams open. Discard any that remain closed.
- Add the drained linguine directly into the skillet with the clams, tossing gently to combine.
- If the mixture is dry, add reserved pasta cooking water gradually until desired consistency is reached (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup).
- Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the linguine and clams in shallow bowls, distributing the clams evenly.
- Optionally, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh clams for the best flavor; discard any that do not close when tapped.
- Canned clams can be used as a substitute, but the flavor and texture will differ.
- Customize the dish with additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes or spinach, or add a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
- Pair with a glass of the same white wine used in the recipe for a perfect match.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes