Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti mingling with succulent, fresh clams, infused with the aromatic essence of garlic and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes. This isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy, right from the comfort of your kitchen table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare and guaranteed to create unforgettable dining memories!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Spaghetti - 400g
- Clams - 500g
- Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
- Olive oil - 3 tbsp
- Parsley - 1/4 cup, chopped
- Red pepper flakes - 1 tsp
- Salt - to taste
- Pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the clams under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Set aside.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- 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 red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the rinsed clams to the skillet and cover with a lid. Allow the clams to steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have opened up. Discard any clams that remain closed.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the clams.
- Pour in a little of the reserved pasta water to help create a sauce, and toss everything together gently. The heat from the pasta will help to combine the flavors.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped parsley and toss again to combine.
- Serve the clams spaghetti immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your meal around the kitchen table with family or friends!
Tips
- Clam Freshness is Key: Always use fresh, live clams and discard any that don't close when tapped or remain closed after cooking.
- Pasta Water Magic: Save some pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Timing is Everything: Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Remove from heat just as it turns golden.
- Customize Your Spice: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference - a little goes a long way!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your cooking to serve right away.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements this dish perfectly.Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine when steaming the clams!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
