Seafood Pasta

Linguine With Clams And Garlic

Name: Linguine With Clams And Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) linguine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound (450g) fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed; 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

By Xenia Sterling · June 19, 2026 · Seafood Pasta

Prep15 min

Cook12 min

Total27 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had linguine with clams and garlic at a small Italian restaurant by the coast. The combination of tender clams, flavorful garlic, and perfectly cooked linguine was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to recreate this dish at home, and I'm excited to share my recipe with you.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves seafood and is looking for a quick and easy meal to make at home. The best part is that it's ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner. You can also customize it to your taste by adding your favorite herbs or spices.

One of the things that makes this recipe special is the use of fresh clams. If you've never cooked with clams before, don't worry - it's easier than you think. Just make sure to rinse them well and scrub off any dirt or sand before using them in the recipe.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of garlic, white wine, and lemon juice to create a light and flavorful sauce. The key to making a great sauce is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overcook the clams. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create a delicious and impressive meal that's sure to impress your family and friends.

So, let's get started and make some delicious linguine with clams and garlic. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. And the best part is that it's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of clams, garlic, and lemon juice creates a light and flavorful sauce.
The dish is customizable to your taste, so you can add your favorite herbs or spices.
It's a great way to impress your family and friends with a delicious and impressive meal.
The recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and is a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3s.

Why This Recipe Works

The reason this recipe works so well is that it combines the natural sweetness of the clams with the pungency of the garlic and the brightness of the lemon juice. The white wine adds a depth of flavor that complements the clams perfectly, while the linguine provides a nice texture contrast.

Another important factor is the cooking technique. By cooking the clams in a hot pan with some oil and garlic, we're able to create a nice caramelized crust on the clams that adds texture and flavor to the dish. The key is to not overcook the clams, as this can make them tough and rubbery.

Finally, the use of fresh herbs such as parsley and basil adds a bright and freshness to the dish that complements the richness of the clams and the pasta. By using a combination of these ingredients and techniques, we're able to create a dish that's both flavorful and well-balanced.

Overall, this recipe is a great example of how a few simple ingredients can be combined to create a delicious and impressive meal. With a little practice and patience, you'll be able to make this dish like a pro and enjoy it with your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making linguine with clams and garlic, the quality of the ingredients is crucial. You'll want to use fresh clams, high-quality garlic, and a good white wine to create a rich and flavorful sauce. You'll also need some linguine, olive oil, and lemon juice to complete the dish.

Here are some tips for shopping for the ingredients: look for fresh clams that are closed tightly and have a sweet smell. You can also use canned clams if you can't find fresh ones, but be sure to rinse them well before using them. For the garlic, choose cloves that are firm and have a sweet aroma. And for the white wine, use a dry and crisp variety such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

1 pound (450g) linguineLinguine is a long, flat, and narrow pasta shape that pairs well with light and oily sauces. Look for high-quality linguine that is made from durum wheat semolina and has a rough texture to hold the sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is a healthy and flavorful oil that is perfect for cooking the garlic and clams. Look for a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil that has a rich and fruity flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many Italian dishes, and it adds a pungent flavor to the sauce. Look for firm and sweet garlic cloves and mince them finely before using them in the recipe.
1 pound (450g) fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsedFresh clams are a delicacy and add a sweet and briny flavor to the dish. Look for clams that are closed tightly and have a sweet smell, and be sure to scrub and rinse them well before using them in the recipe.
1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wineWhite wine adds a depth of flavor and a touch of acidity to the sauce. Look for a dry and crisp variety such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, and be sure to use a high-quality wine that is drinkable on its own.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juiceLemon juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the sauce and helps to balance the richness of the clams. Look for fresh lemons and squeeze the juice yourself to get the best flavor.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyParsley is a fresh and herbaceous ingredient that adds a pop of color and flavor to the dish. Look for fresh parsley with curly leaves and chop it finely before using it in the recipe.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh basilBasil is a sweet and aromatic herb that pairs well with the clams and garlic. Look for fresh basil with large leaves and chop it finely before using it in the recipe.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the flavor of the dish. Look for high-quality salt and pepper and use them sparingly to taste.
2 tablespoons unsalted butterButter adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce and helps to balance the acidity of the lemon juice. Look for high-quality unsalted butter and use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

Ingredients for Linguine With Clams And Garlic

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerColander or strainerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Linguine With Clams And Garlic

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the linguine.
2
In a large heavy skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it is fragrant and lightly golden.
3
Add the fresh clams to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to open. Add the white wine and lemon juice to the skillet and stir to combine.
4
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3-5 minutes until the clams are open and the sauce has reduced slightly. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce and clams.
6
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter until it is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Transfer the linguine and clams to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and basil and serve immediately.
8
Check the internal temperature of the clams with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they reach 145 F (63 C).
9
Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
10
Serve the linguine and clams with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Expert Tips

Make sure to scrub and rinse the clams well before using them in the recipe to remove any dirt or sand.
Use high-quality ingredients such as fresh garlic, white wine, and lemon juice to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
Don't overcook the clams, as this can make them tough and rubbery. Cook them until they are open and the sauce has reduced slightly.
Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet to create a creamy and well-balanced sauce.
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice to your liking.
Garnish the dish with chopped parsley and basil to add a pop of color and freshness.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the clams, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not scrubbing and rinsing the clams well, which can result in a gritty or sandy texture.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can result in a dry and sauce-less dish.
Not seasoning the dish with salt and pepper to taste, which can result in a bland or unbalanced flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or shallots to the skillet with the garlic for added flavor.
Use different types of seafood such as mussels or shrimp in place of the clams.
Add some cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers to the skillet for added color and flavor.
Use a different type of pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine in place of the linguine.
Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the dish for added richness and flavor.
Use a different type of white wine such as Chardonnay or Riesling in place of the Pinot Grigio.

What to Serve With Linguine With Clams And Garlic

This dish is perfect for serving with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. You can also serve it with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.

Some other options for serving this dish include serving it with a side of sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus, or serving it with a side of grilled or roasted chicken or fish.

Garlic breadGreen saladGrilled or roasted vegetablesSautéed spinachRoasted asparagusGrilled or roasted chicken or fish

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container.

To freeze it, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to serve it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and the name of the dish, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored.

When reheating the dish, make sure to heat it until it's steaming hot and the clams are cooked through. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, and you can add a little bit of water or white wine to the dish if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of clams should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of clams you like, but littleneck or cherrystone clams work well for this recipe. Make sure to scrub and rinse them well before using them.

Can I use canned clams instead of fresh clams?

Yes, you can use canned clams instead of fresh clams. Just be sure to rinse them well and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

What type of white wine should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of dry white wine you like, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Just be sure to use a high-quality wine that is drinkable on its own.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish, such as onions or bell peppers?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the dish if you like. Just be sure to cook them until they're tender before adding the clams and pasta.

How do I know when the clams are cooked through?

The clams are cooked through when they're open and the sauce has reduced slightly. You can also check the internal temperature of the clams with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they reach 145 F (63 C).

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer, and reheat it until it's steaming hot before serving.

How do I store the dish in the refrigerator or freezer?

You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label the container or bag with the date and the name of the dish, and reheat it until it's steaming hot before serving.

Can I serve this dish with other sides, such as garlic bread or a green salad?

Yes, you can serve this dish with other sides, such as garlic bread or a green salad. Just be sure to choose sides that complement the flavors of the dish.

The Full Recipe

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