Spaghetti with clams

Spaghetti with Clams: a Quick and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

How many times have you found yourself at a table, wanting to enjoy something truly special, but without spending hours in the kitchen? Spaghetti with clams is the perfect choice for those moments! This recipe is not only quick but also full of flavors, making it a true feast for the senses. Let’s discover together how to create this delicious dish!

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg fresh clams
- 500 g spaghetti
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 glass of white wine (preferably dry)
- 10-15 cherry tomatoes
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- Oregano (to taste)
- Salt
- Pepper (black or chili, optional)
- Olive oil

A bit of history

Clams have been a culinary ingredient used for centuries, often associated with traditional fish dishes. This recipe has evolved over the years and has been adapted into numerous variations, yet its essence remains constant: a harmonious blend of seafood, pasta, and flavors. Combined with spaghetti, clams become an unforgettable culinary experience, bringing a Mediterranean flair to your table.

Useful tips about ingredients

- Clams: Make sure the clams are fresh. Choose only those that are closed; open or cracked ones should be discarded as they are not safe to eat.
- Spaghetti: Use high-quality spaghetti, preferably made from durum wheat, which maintains its texture and won’t stick together.
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and flavorful, but you can also opt for regular tomatoes, diced.
- White wine: Choose a dry white wine that will enhance the sauce's flavors.

Preparation steps

1. Cleaning the clams: Start by rinsing the clams under cold running water. Use a brush to clean the shells of algae and sand. Discard any clams that are open or cracked, keeping only the closed ones.

2. Preparing the ingredients: Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters and finely chop the parsley. These will not only add flavor but also a vibrant look to the final dish.

3. Boiling the pasta: In a large pot, add water and salt, then bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook for 2 minutes less than indicated on the package. This will allow the pasta to absorb the sauce's flavors better.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, add olive oil and the whole garlic cloves. Let them brown slightly over medium heat until golden. This is when the garlic will release its incredible aroma.

5. Adding the clams: Add the clams to the skillet and sauté them quickly for 1 minute. Then, add the tomatoes, white wine, pepper (or chili if you like a bit of heat), and oregano. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, covered, until all the clams are opened (about 5-7 minutes).

6. Finishing the dish: When the spaghetti is al dente, drain it and add it to the skillet over the clams. Mix well so that the pasta absorbs the sauce. If necessary, you can add a ladle of the water in which the spaghetti was boiled to achieve a creamier sauce.

7. Serving: After mixing everything, add the chopped parsley and let it cook for another 2 minutes. Then, serve the dish warm, drizzled with a bit of olive oil and, if desired, with grated parmesan.

Serving suggestions

These spaghetti with clams pair perfectly with a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty bread, ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement your meals.

Frequently asked questions

- What do I do if the clams don’t open? Discard any clams that did not open after cooking; they are not safe to eat.
- Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can experiment with other types of pasta, such as tagliatelle or linguine.
- What other ingredients can I add? You can try adding red peppers or olives for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious! Clams are an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals such as zinc and iron. Additionally, whole wheat spaghetti adds fiber, which helps maintain digestive health.

Calories

A serving of spaghetti with clams contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of olive oil used and other added ingredients.

Possible variations

If you want to personalize this recipe, you can add vegetables such as zucchini or spinach to give it a more colorful appearance and add extra nutrients. You can also replace the white wine with lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Spaghetti with clams is a fantastic choice, full of flavor and easy to prepare. Enjoy every bite!