Lemon Clam Tagliatelle with Bottarga and Fresh Parsley

Tagliatelle with Bottarga, Clams, and Lemon

Category: First Course

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Clams:
   Start by cleaning the clams to ensure they’re free of sand. Tap each clam on a cutting board near the opening. If dark sand is released, discard the clam, as it may contain sand inside. Also, remove any clams with broken shells. Once cleaned, place the clams in a colander set over a bowl. Rinse them under cold running water several times to remove any remaining grit.

2. Cook the Clams:
   In a large skillet, heat some extra virgin olive oil. Add one peeled garlic clove and let it gently sauté for a minute to infuse the oil. Next, add the clams to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing them to open. Be careful not to overcook them, as clams can become tough if left too long. Discard any clams that do not open.

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3. Prepare the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the egg tagliatelle and cook for 2-4 minutes, or according to the instructions on the package. Be sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook once combined with the clams.

4. Combine Pasta and Clams:
   Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and immediately add it to the skillet with the clams. Toss the pasta in the pan to absorb the flavorful juices from the clams. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce.

5. Season and Finish:
   Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the pan. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the lemon juice for a fresh, tangy finish.

6. Add Bottarga:
   For a touch of elegance, finely grate the bottarga (salted fish roe) and sprinkle it over the pasta. The bottarga adds a delightful, briny depth to the dish, perfectly complementing the clams and lemon.

7. Serve:
   Serve the tagliatelle hot, garnished with additional parsley and a little more bottarga if desired. Enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors of this coastal Italian delicacy!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

This dish, Tagliatelle with Bottarga, Clams, and Lemon, is a delightful celebration of the Mediterranean coast. With the briny clams, the richness of bottarga, and the brightness of lemon, this simple yet sophisticated pasta will transport you straight to an Italian seaside trattoria. Perfect for a light yet satisfying first course or as a main dish for seafood lovers.