If I have not made it clear by now, I love, love, love clams. This recipe for Spaghetti with Clams may be my favorite dish of all time! A pasta with clams recipe is so simple to prepare, yet very elegant. This seafood recipe is quite similar to my Linguine with White Clam Sauce. However, it’s a bit easier to make. Can you spare twenty minutes? We are going to combine a few fresh and simple ingredients to create one incredible seafood pasta dish!

Naturally, I created a short video on TikTok showing you how to prepare this fabulous Spaghetti with Clams recipe. Be sure to check it out in the recipe below! If you have not yet signed up for this social media platform, use my code 5SSIS800K0H06 to join! This clam recipe is one of many seafood dishes on my Feast of the Seven Fishes recipe blog! Please give it a visit for some Christmas Eve dinner inspiration and amazing recipes from appetizers to the main course.

TYPE OF CLAMS FOR PASTA

Do you often find it confusing when it comes to choosing what types of clams to use with pasta? Clams within a specific species are also referred to by different names, depending on their size. For this clam pasta recipe, we are going to stick with hard shell clams. Also known as quahog, and round clams.

If you like displaying the clams in the shell, use littleneck, middleneck, or cherrystone clams. These types of clams tend to be smaller and easier to pair with pasta.

MINCED CLAMS WITH SPAGHETTI

Ok, so you would rather not serve up this seafood pasta dish with clams in the shell. I got you! There are a few ways you can go about this recipe using minced clams:

• steam chowder clams using the method in this recipe, remove from the shell and mince
• steam the smaller variety of clams mentioned above and serve whole, or mince (remember these are smaller)
• purchase minced clams in a can (just so you know…I do NOT condone this! Haha!)

HOW TO CLEAN CLAMS

Believe it, or not I created an entire blog on how to clean clams. No matter the type (species) of clam, the method to clean is the same. There are other successful ways to get the sand and grit out of them. This is mine. Keep in mind the clams are alive. Fill a bowl with cold water. Add in a few tablespoons of flour.

Mix around a bit. Add the clams. Allow the clams to sit and soak for about ten minutes. As the clams are soaking, they will ingest the flour water (which they do not like very well) and spit it out along with any bits of sand and grit. Rinse thoroughly.

As you are rinsing, inspect the clams for any that are broken, and/or open. Toss them out immediately!

HOW TO PREPARE THE BEST SPAGHETTI WITH CLAMS

Want this recipe for Spaghetti and Clams to be perfect, every single time? Follow these simple tips for success:

• timing is everything, drop the pasta at the same time you start preparing the clams and sauce
• do not forget to salt the water like the sea for the pasta
• use fresh, or a good quality pasta
• cook the pasta to just before al dente
• no draining or rinsing the pasta, transfer directly to the clam sauce
• pasta water is your friend, use it in the sauce
• do NOT brown the garlic
• as the clams open, transfer to a bowl (this will ensure they do not overcook and become chewy)
• allow the pasta to finish cooking in the clam sauce
• brighten up this clam pasta with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest and tons of fresh parsley

WHAT TO SERVE WITH SPAGHETTI WITH CLAMS

This Spaghetti with Clams recipe is perfect on its on. However, a simple side salad and a fresh baguette to soak up all of that delish clam broth is even better.

LEFTOVER SPAGHETTI WITH CLAMS

Leftovers, if there are any, can be enjoyed for up to two days in the fridge. Store properly by removing the remaining clams from the shells. Place the clam pasta into an airtight container and chill.

Reheat this seafood pasta in a pan at a low temperature. This will ensure that the pasta stays firm and the clams do not become chewy. Reheating in the microwave is NOT recommend.

Freezing this pasta with clams recipe is also NOT recommended.

SPAGHETTI WITH CLAMS

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• Author:Charlotte Fashion Plate
• Prep Time:10 minutes
• Cook Time:8 minutes
• Total Time:18 minutes
• Yield:4 servings 1x

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Description

This recipe for Spaghetti with Clams may be my favorite dish of all time! A pasta with clams recipe is so simple to prepare, yet very elegant. Can you spare fifteen minutes? We are going to combine a few fresh and simple ingredients to create one incredible seafood pasta dish!

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Ingredients

Scale1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 dozen littleneck clams
• 3/4 pound spaghetti
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup white wine
• 1 1/2 to 2 ladles pasta water
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• zest of one lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Start boiling water for the pasta.
2. Clean the clams per instructions in post.
3. Once the water is boiling, salt like the sea.
4. Drop the pasta.
5. Melt the butter with the olive oil in a deep saucepan.
6. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook for just a minute.
7. Add in the white wine and some of the pasta water.
8. Season with just a touch of kosher salt and black pepper.
9. Allow the sauce to come to a heavy simmer.
10. Toss in the clams. Cover to steam open.
11. As the clams open, remove and reserve in a bowl.
12. Discard any clams that do not open.
13. Reduce the heat.
14. Add all of the clams back to the saucepan.
15. Pour in the lemon juice and zest.
16. Toss in the pasta directly from the pot.
17. Add in more pasta water, if needed. (can also use a bit of clam juice in a bottle)
18. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley and toss gently.
19. Serve in individual plates, or bowls.
20. Be generous with the clams.
21. ENJOY!

@charlottefashionplate

#pasta#seafood#feast#feastofthesevenfishes#clams#pastatiktok#pastarecipe#spaghetti#christmaseve#christmasfood#foodtiktok#MyAncestryStory

♬ Taste It – Ikson

Notes

SEE POST FOR NOTES!

Nutrition

• Serving Size:1 serving

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As you may know by now, I have a love affair with clams. I could actually eat them at least five days a week. If you love clams as much as I do and are looking for new ways to enjoy them, check out these recipes:

• Clams with Chorizo in a Tomato Broth
• Bucatini with Clams
• Clams Casino
• Butter Garlic Steamed Clams
• Clams with Sausage
• Clams Oreganata

LET’S GET SOCIAL!

I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him. He is known as one of the best skate sharpeners in the world!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

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