Spaghetti with Clams in Garlic and White Wine Recipe
This classic Spaghetti with Clams recipe features tender clams simmered in a flavorful sauce of garlic, white wine, and red chili flakes, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a simple yet elegant Italian seafood dish that comes together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti (can use up to 3/4 pound of pasta if needed)
- Salt for pasta water
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 heaping tablespoon)
- Pinch red chili pepper flakes
- 2 (6-ounce) cans minced clams, including the liquid
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a small cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, sautéing gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Clams and Wine: Pour the minced clams along with their liquid into the pan. Add the dry white wine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld and reduce slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the clam sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Heat together for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the spaghetti with clams to serving plates. Optionally, garnish with a bit more fresh parsley or a light drizzle of olive oil before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use canned minced clams for convenience, but fresh clams can be substituted if preferred.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- White wine adds depth; substitute with clam juice or chicken broth if you prefer no alcohol.
- The chili flakes add subtle heat but can be adjusted or omitted based on taste.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
