5.0 from 18 votes
Linguine with Red Clam Sauce
A lighter, tomato-based alternative to traditional white clam sauce that combines fresh and canned clams for maximum flavor.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 501 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces chopped clams canned or use fresh
- 1/2 pound fresh clams
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 18 ounces marinara sauce
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta linguine or similar
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain cans of clams or clean the fresh clams.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy bottom pot over medium heat.
- Add garlic and clams.
- If using fresh clams, lower the heat, cover, and wait until all clams are open. Discard unopened clams.
- Add sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper or any other seasoning you like.
- Serve red clam sauce over the pasta.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Save the clam juice: Although the recipe calls for draining the canned clams before adding them to the sauce, don't let that valuable clam broth go down the drain. Use it to enhance the flavor of this recipe or save it for other seafood dishes.
- Use chopped canned clams: The smaller pieces ensure that every bite will include a morsel or two of clam. Your guests will feel like there's an abundance of clams in the sauce.
- Choose the right pasta: Linguine is the classic pasta shape for this dish, but fettuccine or spaghetti work well too. Avoid short or thin pasta types, which won't hold the sauce as effectively.
- Keep an eye on cooking time: Overcooking clams will make them tough and rubbery. Once the shells open (for fresh clams), they're done!
- Add a splash of white wine: For an extra layer of flavor, add ¼ cup of dry white wine after sautéing the garlic and before adding the clams.
Nutrition Information
Calories
501kcal
(25%)
Carbohydrates
92g
(31%)
Protein
19g
(38%)
Fat
5g
(8%)
Saturated Fat
0g
(0%)
Cholesterol
6mg
(2%)
Sodium
803mg
(33%)
Potassium
675mg
(19%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
615IU
(12%)
Vitamin C
9.2mg
(10%)
Calcium
49mg
(5%)
Iron
3.1mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 501
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 501kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 92g | 31% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 803mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 675mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 615IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 9.2mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 49mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3.1mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.