Linguine alle Vongole is the epitome of coastal Italian cooking—simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Tender clams are gently steamed with garlic, olive oil, and white wine, then tossed with al dente linguine for a dish that’s both light and deeply satisfying. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for a dinner party.
🐚 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 pounds fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
🔥 Instructions
Clean the Clams: Place the clams in a large bowl of cold water with a tablespoon of salt. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes to expel any sand. Rinse thoroughly and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook linguine until just shy of al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing gently until fragrant but not browned—about 1–2 minutes.
Steam the Clams: Add the white wine to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Add the cleaned clams, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes until the clams open. Discard any that do not.
Combine and Toss: Add the drained linguine to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta. Add more pasta water if needed for a silky finish.
Finish and Serve: Stir in chopped parsley, lemon zest, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty touch.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Linguine alle Vongole
- 🍝 Linguine Pasta — Traditional long pasta that perfectly cradles the briny clam sauce.
- 🍷 Dry White Wine for Cooking — A crisp, dry white wine is essential for building a bright, aromatic base.
- 🧄 Fresh Garlic Bulbs — Sliced garlic is the soul of this dish—go fresh and fragrant.
- 🍋 Lemon Zester — Zesting a lemon into your pasta brightens and balances the seafood beautifully.
- 🥄 Large Skillet with Lid — Perfect for steaming clams and tossing pasta all in one pan.
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