Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, glistening with a luxurious white clam sauce that transports you straight to the coastal regions of Italy. Bob's White Clam Sauce isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional chef.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans chopped clams in juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti or linguine
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cans of chopped clams in juice, 3 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/2 cup of white wine, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste, 1 lb of spaghetti or linguine, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water, then add the spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Next, add the red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring them into the garlic and oil mixture for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.
- Pour in the white wine, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off and the sauce reduce slightly.
- Open the cans of chopped clams and add them to the skillet along with their juice. Stir gently to combine, and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet with the clam sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, ensuring each plate has a generous portion of the clam sauce over the pasta.
- Enjoy your delicious Bob's White Clam Sauce with a side of crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a complete Italian meal!
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to an exceptional clam sauce is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Choose fresh garlic and good-quality white wine for the best flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Garlic: Sauté garlic just until it's fragrant and lightly golden. Burnt garlic can make the entire sauce bitter.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats your pasta.
- Choose the Right Pasta: While the recipe suggests spaghetti or linguine, feel free to experiment with other long pasta shapes like fettuccine or bucatini.
- Adjust Spice Level: The red pepper flakes can be adjusted to suit your heat preference. Start with less and add more if desired.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, right after cooking. The flavors are most vibrant when served immediately.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this clam sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
