How to Make Spaghetti with Clams and Garlic

Spaghetti with Clams and Garlic Recipe

Spaghetti with clams and garlic, or "Spaghetti alle Vongole," is a beloved Italian seafood dish. Combining tender clams, fragrant garlic, and a light olive oil sauce, this recipe is simple to prepare yet delivers a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (500g) fresh clams (cleaned and scrubbed)
• 12 oz (350g) spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• ½ cup dry white wine
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

---

Instructions

Preparing the Clams:

1. Soak the clams in cold salted water for 20-30 minutes to remove sand. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Discard any clams that are cracked or do not close when tapped.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

1. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

Cooking the Clams:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced garlic and red chili flakes (if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the cleaned clams to the skillet, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the clams open. Discard any that remain closed.

Combining the Dish:

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the clams and toss to combine.
2. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serving:

• Transfer the spaghetti and clams to serving plates.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra freshness.
• Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, for a true Italian dining experience.