Linguine with White Clam Sauce Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

This simple yet flavorful dish combines tender linguine pasta with savory clams, garlic, and a splash of white wine for a quick and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) package linguine pasta
• cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 (8 ounce) cans minced clams, with juice
• cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until tender but still firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saut for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Pour in the liquid from the clams, followed by the chopped parsley, white wine, basil, and salt. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add the minced clams to the skillet and cook until they are heated through, about 2 minutes.
5. Finally, add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine, making sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
6. Serve immediately while warm, garnishing with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	545
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	392mg
Total Carbohydrate	57g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	44g
Vitamin C	42mg
Calcium	158mg
Iron	4mg
Potassium	1036mg

Servings Per Recipe: 6

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Author: Karena

Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 6

History and Origin

Linguine with white clam sauce is a traditional Italian dish that hails from the coastal regions of Italy, particularly the central and southern parts like Naples and the Amalfi Coast. The dish is a celebration of the Mediterranean's bounty, featuring fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and white wine. While its exact origins are hard to pinpoint, linguine with clam sauce is part of Italys rich seafood pasta traditions, which date back to ancient Roman times. Seafood has long been a staple in Italian cuisine, and dishes like this one show how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular.

Regional Variations

In Italy, regional variations of clam sauce pasta abound. In Naples, for instance, linguine might be served with a red clam sauce made with tomatoes, whereas the white clam sauce version is more common in the northern regions. The use of olive oil, garlic, and parsley remains consistent across all variations, but some regions might add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon to enhance the flavors. The dish is often served with spaghetti or other long pasta shapes, but linguine, with its flat, delicate texture, is the preferred choice for its ability to hold the sauce without overpowering the clams.

Difference from Similar Dishes

While linguine with white clam sauce shares similarities with other pasta dishes, such as spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), what sets it apart is the balance between the light, savory clam sauce and the tender linguine. Spaghetti alle vongole often uses a more pronounced tomato-based sauce in some variations, while linguine with white clam sauce keeps the focus on the delicate flavors of the clams, white wine, and garlic. Additionally, while linguine can be served in a variety of sauces, this particular dish emphasizes the clam broth and its natural, briny flavor as the base of the sauce.

Where It Is Typically Served

Linguine with white clam sauce is a popular dish in Italian seaside restaurants and coastal trattorias, especially during the warmer months when clams are abundant. It is often served as a main course during lunch or dinner, accompanied by a glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino. In Italy, this dish is typically enjoyed in the summer, when seafood is at its freshest. Outside of Italy, it has become a beloved staple in Italian-American cuisine, found in many Italian restaurants across the United States, particularly in coastal cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston.

Interesting Facts

• The term "linguine" comes from the Italian word "lingua," meaning "tongue," due to the shape of the pasta resembling a small tongue.
• Clams are not only delicious but also rich in protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a healthy addition to this dish.
• White clam sauce recipes often vary depending on local preferences, with some cooks adding a bit of butter for a creamier texture or substituting the clams with other shellfish like mussels or scallops.
• The use of white wine in the sauce enhances the overall flavor, balancing the brininess of the clams while adding a subtle depth of complexity.

Whether you're enjoying it in a seaside restaurant in Italy or preparing it at home, linguine with white clam sauce is a dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Its simple yet elegant combination of ingredients makes it a perfect choice for seafood lovers and a beloved classic in Italian cuisine.

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