Linguine with White Clam Sauce 🍝
If you’re craving a taste of Europe in less than 30 minutes, this Linguine with White Clam Sauce recipe is your golden ticket! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner for two, this dish combines the delicate flavors of clams, garlic, and a touch of cream to create a truly delightful pasta experience.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 2 tablespoons butter 🧈
- 1/2 cup dry white wine 🍷
- 1 can minced clams, drained (about 6.5 ounces) 🐚
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 2 dozen small clams in shells, scrubbed 🐚
- 1 pound linguine pasta 🍝
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced 🌿
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Cream Sauce:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic cloves and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let them brown.
- Pour in the dry white wine and add the drained minced clams. Stir well to combine.
- Sprinkle in the flour and mix until everything is well incorporated.
-
Cook the Cream Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Prepare the Linguine and Clams:
- In a separate large pot, cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the whole clams and remaining minced garlic cloves. Pour in the remaining white wine.
-
Steam the Clams:
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the clams steam for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to open.
- Remove the lid and discard any clams that have not opened. This ensures that they are safe to eat.
-
Combine Everything:
- Toss the cooked linguine into the creamy clam sauce, ensuring that the pasta is well coated.
- Arrange the steamed whole clams on top of the linguine.
- Sprinkle generously with minced parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
-
Serve and Enjoy!
- Divide the Linguine with White Clam Sauce among serving plates.
- Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a wonderful finishing touch.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a splash of pasta cooking water to the cream sauce.
- Serve with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect pairing.
There you have it! A simple yet elegant recipe for Linguine with White Clam Sauce that will transport your taste buds to the shores of Italy in no time. 🇮🇹 Buon appetito!
