Description
This classic Italian Linguine and Clams with Tomatoes recipe features fresh linguine pasta tossed with tender littleneck clams, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a flavorful sauce made with white wine, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Enhanced with butter and fresh parsley, this dish offers a delicious balance of briny seafood, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a satisfying seafood pasta dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Sauce and Seafood
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Sauté garlic and spices: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften and begin to release their juices.
- Add wine and clams: Pour in the white wine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the scrubbed littleneck clams, cover the skillet, and cook for 6–8 minutes until the clams have opened. Discard any clams that remain closed.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Stir in the unsalted butter and the cooked linguine, tossing gently to combine. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- If fresh clams aren’t available, you can substitute with high-quality canned clams and reduce the cook time accordingly.
- Make sure to scrub clams thoroughly before cooking to remove any grit or sand.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce for a heartier meal.
