Seafood Pasta with Clams

Category: Seafood Recipes

This Seafood Pasta with Clams is a tasty dish with pasta and tender clams in a garlic butter sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for seafood fans who want something light and flavorful.

I like to pretend I’m at a seaside restaurant when I cook this. It makes me feel fancy even if I’m just in my kitchen!

Tip: Serve this with a squeeze of lemon and some fresh parsley. It adds extra bright flavor and makes the dish look pretty too.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Fresh Clams: These are the star of the dish, providing briny flavor. I recommend steaming them until they open, then discarding any unopened ones. For a quick swap, frozen pre-cooked clams work well and save time.

Garlic: Adds aroma and depth to the sauce. Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder is okay but less bright—just halve the amount. I love to sauté it gently to prevent burning.

Olive Oil: The base for cooking garlic and pasta. Good-quality extra virgin olive oil gives richer flavor. If unavailable, a light vegetable oil can work, but I prefer the taste of olive oil in seafood dishes.

White Wine: Brightens the sauce and enhances the seafood flavor. Use a dry white wine you enjoy drinking. If needed, replace with low-sodium chicken broth or water, but it won’t be as vibrant.

Pasta (Spaghetti or Linguine): The perfect vehicle for the sauce. Use al dente pasta so it holds up with the sauce. Whole wheat works if you want a healthier option, though it changes the texture slightly.

How do I open clams without overcooking or undercooking them?

Use a steaming method for fresh clams. Place cleaned clams in a pot with a little water or wine, cover, and heat over medium-high. Wait for them to open—about 5-10 minutes. Discard any that don’t open to avoid eating bad shellfish.

  • Put the clams in a pot with covering liquid and turn the heat to medium-high.
  • Steam until the shells pop open, about 5-10 minutes, shaking gently or stirring once.
  • Remove immediately when open to stop cooking. Avoid overcooking, which makes them tough.
  • Discard any clams that remain closed after steaming.

Seafood Pasta with Clams

How to Make Seafood Pasta with Clams?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Seafood & Pasta

  • 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 pounds fresh clams, cleaned
  • 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops)

Seasonings & Oils

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

liquids & herbs

  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 cup chicken or seafood broth
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

Preparation: 10 minutes, Cooking: 20 minutes, Total time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the garlic

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add liquids and simmer

Pour in white wine and broth. Bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Cook the clams and seafood

Add the cleaned clams and mixed seafood to the pan. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until clams open and seafood is cooked through.

5. Mix pasta and serve

Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss everything together. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

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