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Linguine With Clams

I have always loved linguine with clams, a simple, classic pasta dish. Honestly, what’s not to love? Called linguine alle vongole in Italian, this traditional Italian favorite is the perfect warm-weather go-to pasta dish no matter where you live. Widespread and popular on almost every Italian coast, Naples boasts it all began there and is actually considered a must-have at special gatherings such as Christmas Eve dinners.

linguine with clams

The simplicity of this dish can be deceiving, there are actually some important aspects to making linguini with clams authentically. Most importantly, red clam sauce is not the same thing, that’s an American variation, like noodles in Goulosh.

So let’s break this apart. An important (and basic) thing to remember is to not overcook the clams. Sounds easy I know, but people do it often. Clams do not tolerate long cooking times, it makes them rubbery and tasteless. But the real secret of making this dish “authentic“, is achieving the right creaminess to bind all the ingredients together. The trick, drain the pasta before it reaches the al dente stage and finish cooking it in the clam juices, the starch in the pasta will do the rest. linguine with clams

For a dish with only a few ingredients, it’s amazing how much flavor you get. Anchovies, lemon zest, parsley, and bread crumbs add lots of richness to this beloved Italian go-to. And time-wise, it’s a quick meal, but unlike others I make, this one can’t be made in advance. But, prep your ingredients and be ready, so when it’s go time, you can pull it all together in under 30 minutes.

About the Author

Andrea Potischman

I am a professionally trained NYC chef turned CA mom and food blogger. I post about real food, with doable ingredient lists that are family friendly.

4 thoughts on "Linguine With Clams"

  1. Avatar photo Karly says:

    Will definitely be making this! Those photos are amazing.

    1. Thanks Karly for the lovely comment on my photos, as an amateur photographer I really appreciate that! I hope you try this recipe, be sure to let me know your thoughts when/if you do.

  2. Avatar photo Roz Potischman says:

    This looks so delicious! I can almost taste it. It’s a favorite of mine although I have not had it for a long, long time.

    1. Thanks Roz, such a classic and when it’s made rights it’s truly amazing!

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