Spaghetti with Clams and Nduja (Spaghetti Vongole e Nduja)
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
This savory Italian pasta dish marries the briny richness of fresh clams with the smoky heat of Nduja, an Italian spreadable sausage. The combination creates a comforting yet exciting flavor that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast. Perfect for seafood lovers looking to try something with a bit more spice.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Clams (Vongole veraci) | 1 kg |
| Spaghetti | 320 g |
| Nduja | 40 g |
| Garlic (finely sliced) | 1 clove |
| Fresh Parsley | to taste |
| Fine Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper (freshly ground) | to taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Clams
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the clams. Inspect each clam to ensure it is intact and free of any broken or empty shells. Tap the clams against the sink or a cutting board to check for any sand inside. The healthy clams will remain tightly closed, while those filled with sand will open. Discard any open or damaged clams. -
Rinse the Clams
Once you’ve identified the clean clams, place them in a colander over a bowl. Rinse them well under cold water. To help remove any remaining grit, submerge the clams in a bowl filled with water and add a generous amount of coarse salt. Let them soak for about two hours to allow any sand to be expelled. After soaking, rinse and drain them once again. -
Prepare the Pasta Water
While the clams are soaking, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Be sure to reserve some of the pasta cooking water for later use. -
Cook the Clams
In a large skillet or sautรฉ pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sautรฉ it until it becomes fragrant and golden. Add the cleaned clams to the pan and cover with a lid. Allow the clams to cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they open up. Discard any clams that remain closed. -
Shell Some Clams
Remove the clams from the pan, and set aside. Discard the garlic clove and shell some of the clams while keeping others in their shells for garnish and presentation. -
Prepare the Nduja Sauce
In the same pan used for the clams, add the Nduja (without the casing) and break it apart with a spoon. Let it melt and mix with the clam juices in the pan, creating a rich, spicy sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to the pan, allowing it to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency. -
Combine the Spaghetti with the Sauce
Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it directly into the pan with the Nduja sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors. If needed, add a bit more pasta water to achieve a silky, flavorful coating. -
Finish and Serve
Add the shelled clams back into the pan, stirring them gently into the pasta. Finish with a generous drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining whole clams.
Tips and Variations:
- Nduja: This spicy, spreadable sausage is a key ingredient in this dish, providing a rich and smoky flavor. If you canโt find Nduja, you can substitute it with another spicy sausage, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Clams: Be sure to discard any clams that do not open during cooking, as these may not be safe to eat.
- Pasta: Spaghetti works best with this dish, but you can use other long pasta varieties like linguine or fettuccine.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
Enjoy this zesty and flavorful Italian classic, a perfect meal to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious dinner by the sea. The combination of clams, pasta, and spicy Nduja is a bold flavor journey you’ll want to revisit again and again!
