Name: Linguine with Clams Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Kosher salt; 1 pound linguine; 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ cup finely chopped shallots (from 2 shallots); 6 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped; 1 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 pounds Littleneck clams (40 to 45), scrubbed; ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon), plus more to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon), plus more to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Linguine with Clams is a classic, flavorful seafood dish that combines tender pasta with the briny goodness of fresh clams. The combination of garlic, shallots, white wine, and a touch of lemon creates a perfectly balanced sauce that complements the delicate sweetness of the clams. It’s simple yet sophisticated, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a bright, zesty finish and a buttery, aromatic sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

Kosher salt
1 pound linguine
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup finely chopped shallots (from 2 shallots)
6 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 pounds Littleneck clams (40 to 45), scrubbed
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon), plus more to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon), plus more to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of kosher salt to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until just shy of al dente. The pasta should still be firm to the bite as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water for the sauce. Do not rinse the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a very large sauté pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chopped shallots and garlic, sautéing until just golden, about 30 seconds.
Add the white wine, red pepper flakes, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, clams, and ¼ cup of the chopped parsley to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover. Cook until the clams open, about 6-8 minutes. Discard any unopened clams.
Add the drained linguine to the sauté pan with the clams. If the pan is too small, transfer the clams to a plate and cover to keep warm. Increase the heat to medium and cook the pasta, tossing occasionally, until it absorbs most of the sauce and is just tender, about 1-2 minutes. If necessary, add some of the reserved cooking water to keep the pasta moist.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and clams with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, lemon zest, and/or lemon juice as needed.
Transfer the pasta and clams to a serving dish or individual bowls and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or arugula to the pan when cooking the clams for extra color and flavor.
Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace the white wine with vegetable or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added layer of flavor, though it’s not traditional.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, pasta with seafood is best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with other pasta types such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even bucatini.

2. Can I use frozen clams?

Fresh clams are preferred for the best texture and flavor, but frozen clams can be used if fresh ones are unavailable. Be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

3. Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes, you can replace the wine with vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even clam juice for a similar flavor.

4. How do I know when the clams are done?

The clams are cooked when they open up. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking.

5. What can I use if I don’t have shallots?

If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute them with a small amount of finely chopped onion, though shallots have a more delicate flavor.

6. How can I make the dish gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular linguine to make this dish gluten-free.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

It’s best to serve this dish fresh as pasta can get soggy when stored. However, you can prep the clams and sauce ahead of time and then quickly cook the pasta when ready to serve.

8. Can I use other types of clams?

Littleneck clams are ideal for this recipe due to their tender texture, but other varieties like Manila clams or even smaller cockles will work as well.

9. Can I use pre-cooked clams?

While fresh, raw clams provide the best flavor and texture, you can use pre-cooked clams as a substitute. Just be sure to add them towards the end of cooking, as they only need to be heated through.

10. Can I add white wine vinegar instead of wine?

White wine vinegar can work as a substitute for wine, but it’s much more acidic. Dilute it with a little water or broth to reduce the intensity.

Conclusion

Linguine with Clams is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the briny richness of clams with the lightness of pasta in a flavorful, buttery sauce. It’s the perfect balance of savory, zesty, and fresh flavors—ideal for a quick dinner or a special gathering. With just a few ingredients, you can create a memorable dish that captures the essence of coastal dining. Enjoy this Italian-inspired classic and treat yourself to a bowl of seafood perfection!