Mom’s White Clam Sauce: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
This delightful dish, inspired by my mom’s cherished recipe, showcases the fresh and briny essence of clams paired perfectly with linguine, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is quick to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll find that this white clam sauce is both approachable and impressive, making it a beloved addition to any dinner table.
Recipe Overview
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 0 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings |
Description
There are countless variations of white clam sauce out there, yet my mom’s version stands out for its simplicity and rich flavor. Whenever anyone gets a taste of her Linguine with Clam Sauce, they are always eager to ask for the recipe. This dish is sure to impress family and friends alike, bringing the taste of the ocean right to your table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1/2 |
| Garlic | 6 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 1/2 cup |
| Minced Clams | 2 cans (6.5 oz each) |
| White Wine | 1/2 cup |
| Dried Basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Linguine | 8 oz |
| Bread Crumbs | To taste (for topping) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 644.7 |
| Total Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 57 mg |
| Sodium | 378.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 56.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Sugars | 2.6 g |
| Protein | 30.7 g |
Instructions
-
Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by finely chopping the onion and garlic. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté gently, ensuring that the mixture softens without browning, as you want to preserve the delicate flavors of the aromatics.
-
Prepare the Clams: While the aromatics are cooking, drain the canned clams, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the clam juice. This juice is crucial for infusing the sauce with rich clam flavor.
-
Combine Ingredients: After the onions and garlic have softened (approximately 3–5 minutes), pour in the reserved clam juice and white wine. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for about 10 minutes, reducing the liquid by half, which concentrates the flavors beautifully.
-
Add the Clams and Spices: Once the mixture has reduced, stir in the minced clams along with the dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
-
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it well, and then return it to the pot. Pour the clam sauce over the pasta and gently toss everything together until the linguine is well coated in the savory sauce.
-
Serve and Enjoy: To finish, sprinkle a generous amount of bread crumbs on top for added texture and crunch. Serve the dish immediately while hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
This delightful Mom’s White Clam Sauce recipe is sure to become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. Perfect for any weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and the joy of sharing this dish with your loved ones!
