Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce
A quintessential Italian-American comfort dish, this Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce features tender pasta enveloped in a robust, garlicky tomato sauce brimming with succulent clams. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's a perfect, flavorful meal for any weeknight.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Cook the pasta
- a.Bring 4 liters of water and 1 tbsp of salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- 2
Sauté the aromatics
- a.While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- 3
Build and simmer the sauce
- a.Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow it to simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, the reserved juice from the clams, dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 4
Combine pasta and clams
- a.Uncover the sauce and stir in the drained chopped clams. Cook for only 1-2 minutes, just until the clams are heated through. Overcooking will make them tough. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand of pasta.
- 5
Finish and serve
- a.If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency that clings to the noodles. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Reserve more pasta water than you think you'll need. It's the secret to a perfectly emulsified, non-watery sauce.
- 2Do not overcook the clams. They are already cooked in the can and only need to be warmed through. Add them at the very last minute.
- 3For a deeper, richer flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes. Their sweetness and lower acidity make a noticeable difference.
- 4A high-quality extra virgin olive oil will elevate the flavor of the entire dish.
- 5Let the sauce simmer for the full 15 minutes, or even longer if you have time, to develop a more complex flavor profile.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Fresh Clams
Substitute canned clams with 2 pounds of fresh littleneck or Manila clams. After simmering the tomato sauce, add the scrubbed clams to the pot, cover, and cook until they open (5-8 minutes). Discard any that don't open.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Double the red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped fresh chili, like a Fresno or serrano, along with the garlic for a more pronounced heat.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil or a teaspoon of fresh thyme along with the parsley at the end for a more complex herbal note.
Linguine FiniLinguine Fini
Swap the spaghetti for linguine, which is also a traditional pairing for clam sauce. Its flat shape holds the sauce beautifully.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Clams are packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting metabolic function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Iron and Vitamin B12
This dish is a fantastic source of iron and vitamin B12, both crucial for producing red blood cells, preventing anemia, and maintaining high energy levels and proper nerve function.
Heart-Healthy Nutrients
The use of extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, while the lycopene from the cooked tomatoes acts as a powerful antioxidant. Both contribute to cardiovascular health.
Supports Immune Function
Clams are a great source of selenium and zinc, and garlic contains allicin. These compounds are known to support a healthy immune system and help the body fight off infections.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this recipe (about 2 cups) contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used. Most calories come from the pasta and olive oil.