Seafood Pasta

Spaghetti With Clams

Name: Spaghetti With Clams
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) spaghetti; 2 lbs (1kg) fresh clams; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter; 2 lemons, cut into wedges; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley

By Noelle Ashford · June 19, 2026 · Seafood Pasta

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Spaghetti With Clams at my grandparents' house by the coast. The combination of freshly cooked clams, garlic, and herbs with al dente spaghetti was love at first bite. As a home cook, I've perfected this recipe to share with you, so you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.

This Spaghetti With Clams recipe is perfect for anyone who loves seafood and wants to try something new and exciting. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, you'll love the simplicity and flavor of this dish.

What makes this recipe special is the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients. I'll guide you through the process of selecting the best clams, cooking the perfect spaghetti, and combining everything with a delicious white wine and garlic sauce. You'll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

This recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad, and it's sure to impress your family and friends. So, let's get started and dive into the world of Spaghetti With Clams!

As we cook our way through this recipe, I'll share some tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly. From cooking the clams to the right temperature to adding the perfect amount of garlic, I'll guide you every step of the way. By the end of this recipe, you'll be a Spaghetti With Clams expert and will be able to whip up this delicious dish with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The combination of freshly cooked clams, garlic, and herbs with al dente spaghetti is a match made in heaven.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
You can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients or substitutions to make it your own.
The dish is both filling and light, making it perfect for a variety of occasions.
The recipe is foolproof, so you can't go wrong with the instructions and techniques provided.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Spaghetti With Clams dish is the balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender clams, al dente spaghetti, and a light and creamy sauce creates a dish that's both satisfying and refreshing. By cooking the clams in a white wine and garlic sauce, we're able to bring out the natural sweetness of the clams and add a depth of flavor to the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of heat control. By cooking the spaghetti al dente and then tossing it with the clam sauce, we're able to create a dish that's both filling and light. The heat from the sauce helps to cook the spaghetti to perfection, while the acidity from the white wine helps to balance out the richness of the clams.

The technique of cooking the clams in a hot skillet with garlic and herbs is also crucial to the success of this recipe. By cooking the clams quickly over high heat, we're able to preserve their tender texture and bring out their natural flavor. The addition of garlic and herbs adds a depth of flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the sweetness of the clams.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Spaghetti With Clams, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a few key ingredients, including fresh clams, spaghetti, garlic, and white wine. Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients possible, as they'll make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.

Here are some tips for selecting the best ingredients: look for clams that are heavy for their size and have a sweet, briny aroma. Choose spaghetti that's made from high-quality durum wheat semolina, as it will have a better texture and flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of garlic and herbs to find the combination that you like best.

1 lb (450g) spaghettiLook for spaghetti made from high-quality durum wheat semolina for the best texture and flavor. You can also use other types of long, thin pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, if you prefer.
2 lbs (1kg) fresh clamsChoose clams that are heavy for their size and have a sweet, briny aroma. You can also use frozen or canned clams if fresh ones are not available, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse high-quality garlic that's fresh and has a good aroma. You can also roast the garlic before mincing it for a deeper flavor.
1/4 cup (60ml) white wineChoose a dry white wine that's not too expensive, as it will cook off quickly and leave behind a rich flavor. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer not to use wine.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that's fresh and has a good aroma. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado or grapeseed, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeChoose fresh or dried thyme that's high-quality and has a good aroma. You can also use other types of herbs, such as parsley or basil, if you prefer.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse high-quality salt that's fresh and has a good texture. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, if you prefer.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse high-quality black pepper that's fresh and has a good aroma. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white or green pepper, if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butterChoose high-quality unsalted butter that's fresh and has a good aroma. You can also use other types of butter, such as salted or browned butter, if you prefer.
2 lemons, cut into wedgesUse high-quality lemons that are fresh and have a good aroma. You can also use other types of citrus, such as limes or oranges, if you prefer.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyChoose high-quality parsley that's fresh and has a good aroma. You can also use other types of herbs, such as basil or thyme, if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot with lidColanderLarge skillet or sauté panInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaGarlic press or microplane

How to Make Spaghetti With Clams

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3
Add the white wine to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
4
Add the fresh clams to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the clams have opened. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the clams are cooked through and the liquid has reduced slightly.
5
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the clams, which should reach 145 F (63 C) in the thickest part. Remove the clams from the skillet and set them aside.
6
Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and stir to combine with the clam sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the butter has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with the clam sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water.
8
Return the clams to the skillet and toss to combine with the spaghetti and sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the clams are heated through and the sauce has coated the spaghetti.
9
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve the spaghetti and clams immediately, with lemon wedges on the side.
10
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, which will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
11
Serve the spaghetti and clams hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh clams and good-quality spaghetti, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the spaghetti, as it will become mushy and unappetizing. Cook it until it's al dente, then toss it with the clam sauce.
Use a variety of garlic, such as elephant garlic or silverskin garlic, for a deeper flavor.
Add other ingredients to the clam sauce, such as diced onions or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition.
Serve the spaghetti and clams with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Experiment with different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, for a different texture and flavor.
Use frozen or canned clams if fresh ones are not available, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dish just before serving, which will brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the spaghetti, which will make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not cooking the clams to the right temperature, which can result in foodborne illness.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh clams and good-quality spaghetti, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not adding enough liquid to the clam sauce, which can make it too thick and sticky.
Not stirring the sauce enough, which can result in a sauce that's not well combined and has a uneven flavor.
Not serving the dish immediately, which can result in a dish that's cold and congealed.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced onions or bell peppers to the clam sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, for a different texture and flavor.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dish just before serving, which will brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
Use frozen or canned clams if fresh ones are not available, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using.
Experiment with different types of garlic, such as elephant garlic or silverskin garlic, for a deeper flavor.
Add other ingredients to the clam sauce, such as diced tomatoes or chopped fresh herbs, for added flavor and nutrition.
Serve the spaghetti and clams with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

What to Serve With Spaghetti With Clams

Serve the spaghetti and clams hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Some other ideas for serving the spaghetti and clams include:

Garlic bread: slice a baguette into thick slices, spread with garlic butter, and bake until crispy.

Green salad: toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing for a light and refreshing side dish.

Roasted vegetables: toss sliced or chopped vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, with olive oil and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled meats or seafoodSauteed spinach or other leafy greens

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The spaghetti and clams can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. To freeze, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze.

To reheat the spaghetti and clams, simply microwave or heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also add a little water or white wine to the dish if it seems too dry.

Some tips for storing and reheating the spaghetti and clams include:

Let the dish cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing, which will help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Use an airtight container or freezer bag to store the dish, which will help keep it fresh and prevent freezer burn.

Reheat the dish slowly and gently, stirring occasionally, to prevent the sauce from breaking or the pasta from becoming mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of clams should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of clam you like, such as littleneck, cherrystone, or quahog. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using and cook them until they're opened and tender.

Can I use frozen or canned clams instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen or canned clams if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using and cook them according to the package instructions.

How do I know when the clams are cooked?

The clams are cooked when they're opened and the meat is tender. You can also check the internal temperature of the clams, which should reach 145 F (63 C) in the thickest part.

Can I add other ingredients to the clam sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the clam sauce, such as diced onions or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to cook them until they're tender before adding the clams and spaghetti.

How do I store and reheat the spaghetti and clams?

The spaghetti and clams can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Can I serve the spaghetti and clams with a side dish?

Yes, you can serve the spaghetti and clams with a side dish, such as garlic bread or a green salad, for a complete meal.

Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary. The dish is elegant and flavorful, and can be served with a variety of side dishes and wines.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the spaghetti and clam sauce, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve. Reheat the dish slowly and gently, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

The Full Recipe

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