Spaghetti alle Vongole: A Classic Italian Seafood Pasta 🦪🍝
This Spaghetti alle Vongole is a timeless Italian dish that’s both simple and elegant, showcasing the briny, fresh flavors of clams in a light, garlicky sauce. With just a handful of ingredients, this pasta comes together quickly for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for a special dinner or a taste of Italy any night of the week! ❤️🇮🇹
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or linguine)
- 2 lbs fresh clams (Manila, littleneck, or cockles)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup clam juice, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Clams: Scrub clams thoroughly under cold water. Optionally, soak in salted water (3 tbsp salt per liter of water) for 20–30 minutes to purge sand. Rinse and drain. (~10–30 minutes)
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. (~10 minutes)
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes (avoid burning). (~2 minutes)
- Cook Clams: Add clams and white wine to the skillet. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, until clams open. Discard any that remain closed. (~7 minutes)
- Finish Sauce: Optionally, stir in clam juice, lemon juice, and butter for extra richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (~2 minutes)
- Combine & Serve: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, if needed for consistency. Stir in parsley and serve immediately. (~3 minutes)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15–30 minutes (depending on clam purging)
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30–50 minutes
- Serves: 4
- Calories: Approx. 400–500 kcal per serving
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio.
- Enjoy as a light main course or a starter for a multi-course Italian meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Flavorful: The briny clams and garlicky sauce highlight simple, authentic Italian flavors.
- Quick & Elegant: Ready in under an hour, perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
- Minimal Ingredients: A handful of pantry staples creates a restaurant-quality dish.
Optional Variations
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add fresh chili for extra heat.
- Tomato Twist: Add a handful of cherry tomatoes for a “red” vongole version.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh basil or oregano alongside parsley for a different flavor.
Make this Spaghetti alle Vongole for a taste of coastal Italy that’s sure to impress! Share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media. #SpaghettiAlleVongole #ItalianPasta #SeafoodLovers
