Clam and White Wine Spaghetti

Indulge in the perfect harmony of briny clams, zesty lemon, and silky spaghetti in this Clam and White Wine Spaghetti recipe. It’s a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting, bringing a touch of the sea to your dinner table with minimal fuss. The balance of fresh ingredients and simple techniques ensures every bite bursts with flavor, making it an ideal recipe for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something different, this pasta delivers a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

Why It Works Every Time

This Clam and White Wine Spaghetti is a winner because it embraces simplicity while layering flavors beautifully. The olive oil and garlic create a fragrant base, while the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. Fresh clams bring a natural sweetness and saltiness, enhanced by the bright lemon zest and juice. The chicken broth acts as a savory canvas that ties everything together, creating a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Cooking the clams in the broth allows them to open up and release their juices, infusing the dish with that unmistakable ocean essence. Finally, fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. The result? A well-balanced pasta that’s elegant, quick, and incredibly tasty.

The Essentials

• 8 ounces spaghetti – The perfect pasta to soak up the clam sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adds subtle heat without overpowering.
• 1 pound fresh clams, cleaned – The star ingredient, bringing fresh ocean flavor.
• 2 cups chicken broth – Forms the flavorful cooking liquid and sauce base.
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced – For a bright, citrusy lift.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – Adds freshness and color.
• Salt and pepper to taste – To enhance and balance all the flavors.

Cook’s Kit

• Large pot for boiling pasta – to cook spaghetti perfectly al dente.
• Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid – for cooking the clams and sauce.
• Colander – to drain the pasta.
• Microplane or zester – for zesting the lemon.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – for prepping garlic and parsley.
• Measuring spoons and cups – for accuracy.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring the sauce gently.

Mastering Clam and White Wine Spaghetti: How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, then set spaghetti aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Clams

Add the cleaned clams to the skillet, then pour in the chicken broth. Cover with a lid and let the clams steam for about 5-7 minutes until they open up. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking, as they may not be safe to eat.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Once the clams have opened, remove the lid and stir in the lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors. If the sauce seems too thin, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the clam sauce. Mix gently to coat the pasta evenly. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and give it one last stir. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Holiday-Friendly Variations

• Add a splash of white wine in place of some chicken broth for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Incorporate sautéed cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness and color.
• Top with toasted breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.
• Include a handful of baby spinach or arugula stirred in at the end for added greens.

Cook’s Commentary

This dish shines because of its simplicity and fresh ingredients. Using fresh clams makes a noticeable difference—avoid canned options to get that authentic seaside taste. The lemon zest and juice brighten the entire plate, preventing the flavors from feeling too heavy. The red pepper flakes add just enough warmth to keep things interesting without overwhelming the delicate clam flavor. If you want to explore similar seafood pasta dishes, you might enjoy the Shrimp Scampi With Pasta Recipe for a garlicky, buttery variation. For a festive twist with a Spanish flair, check out the Saffron Seafood Paella.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
• To keep the pasta from drying out, avoid overcooking during reheating.
• For best taste, consume the dish fresh, as seafood pastas tend to lose their texture and flavor over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen clams for this recipe?

Fresh clams are ideal for this dish because they open and release juices that flavor the sauce. If you only have frozen clams, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them, but note that the flavor and texture may not be as vibrant.

What can I substitute if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or clam juice as alternatives. Both will maintain a savory base for the sauce, but clam juice will enhance the seafood flavor even more.

Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and works beautifully, linguine or fettuccine are great alternatives that also hold the sauce well.

How do I know when the clams are cooked properly?

The clams are done when their shells open wide after steaming for about 5-7 minutes. Any clams that remain closed should be discarded, as they may not be safe to eat.

Try These Next

• Shrimp Scampi With Pasta Recipe – Another quick and elegant seafood pasta.
• Saffron Seafood Paella – A vibrant and festive dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

See You at the Table

Ready to bring the ocean’s bounty to your plate? This Clam and White Wine Spaghetti is a straightforward yet impressive dish that delivers fresh flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a delicious meal that tastes like it belongs in a seaside trattoria. Bon appétit!

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