Linguine alle Vongole (Linguine with Clams)

byKeith Posted on Updated on
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Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 2 reviews

This elegant (but easy!) Linguine with Clams recipe is a classic family favorite that is in 30 minutes! Served in a light, flavorful white wine sauce with fresh clams, this Neapolitan dish is perfectly paired with Mer Soleil SILVER.

Linguine alle Vongole in white bowl with fork twisting noodles + blue napkin

We're all about a meal that looks fancy but doesn't take long to make. Linguine alle Vongole is that kind of meal. Like our Pasta Pomodoro, Pasta Bolognese, and Lemon Shrimp Pasta, it uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a super flavorful meal that's guaranteed to please.

Hint: We pair this dish with a glass of SILVER Chardonnay. This wine's bright acidity and distinct minerality bring out the flavor of our linguine recipe.

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Ingredients

ingredients for linguine with clams on wooden board
  • LINGUINE PASTA: this flat pasta holds the flavor best
  • KOSHER SALT: to add to pasta water
  • CANNED CLAMS: whole clams in cans work best
  • CLAM JUICE: (leftover from canned clams, or use bottled clam juice)
  • FRESH CLAMS: we like Little Neck Clams
  • SHALLOTS: chopped
  • WHITE WINE: we like chardonnay
  • GARLIC CLOVES: whole garlic cloves, chopped
  • OLIVE OIL: use the best extra virgin olive oil you can afford
  • BUTTER: salted butter works best
  • RED PEPPER FLAKES: for added flavor
  • FRESH LEMON JUICE: (juice from 1 lemon + LEMON ZEST)
  • ITALIAN PARSLEY: chopped
  • SALT AND PEPPER: (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Boil Water: Boil 8 quarts of water with ¼ cup salt. 
  2. Cook linguine per package directions.
  3. Make Sauce: While pasta is cooking, start making the sauce in large sauté pan. Add olive oil, shallots and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes.
  4. Add Canned Clams: Add canned clams and clam juice along with red pepper flakes, white wine and butter. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Drain Pasta: When pasta is al dente, drain while reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  6. Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add pasta to sauté pan and mix in, tossing to combine.
  7. Add Fresh Clams: Add ½ cup of reserved pasta water and fresh clams and cover, reducing heat to medium low.
  8. Cook: Cook until clam shells open and then remove from heat and stir in Italian parsley and juice from 1 lemon.
  9. Serve: Serve warm, topping with lemon zest and salt and pepper to taste.

🔪Top Tip

After years of making this dish in restaurants, Keith's preferred method is to use a blend of canned clams and fresh clams. This combination coaxes the best flavor (and makes a pretty looking dish).

two bowls of linguine with clams with forks + white whine bottle and glasses of wine

Variations and substitutions

  • FORGO THE WINE: While we love the depth of flavor white wine adds to this recipe, you can easily substitute extra clam juice or chicken broth.
  • PASTA OPTIONS: if you don't have linguine on hand, you can use fettuccini, angel hair, or spaghetti (Spaghetti alle Vongole is just as popular in Italy).
  • CLAMS: If fresh are not available, it is okay to use frozen clams in the shell. You can also use canned clams only. The taste of the finished dish is very similar.

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What to Serve with Linguine alle Vongole

LOVE CLAMS? You've got to try our famous New England Clam Chowder!

white bowl of linguine with clams with fork twisting noodles + bottle of white wine

This post is sponsored by our friends at Mer Soleil. All opinions are our own.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in a sauté pan over medium heat, adding a splash of wine or broth if necessary.
  • Do not freeze

    FAQ

    What is Linguine alle Vongole?

    Linguine alle Vongole (Linguine with Clams) is a classic Italian pasta dish made with linguine and fresh clams. The dish is typically prepared with garlic, olive oil, white wine, and a hint of red pepper flakes, creating a light and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the clams.

    Can I use canned clams for Linguine alle Vongole?

    Yes! While we prefer a combination of fresh clams and canned clams, it is okay to use only canned clams. Fresh clams provide a little extra flavor, and they make the dish look pretty too.

    Can I use frozen clams for Linguine alle Vongole?

    Yes! If fresh clams are not available, use frozen clams in the shell. Steam them right in the bag.

    How do you cook clams?

    To get tender, perfectly cooked clams, remove them from the pan as soon as they open. Clams that are cooked too long become tough and rubbery.

    How do I prevent the clams from becoming tough?

    To prevent the clams from becoming tough, avoid overcooking them. Cook the clams just until they open, which usually takes 5-7 minutes. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking.

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    linguine pasta with clams in white bowl with fork twisting pasta

    Linguine alle Vongole recipe

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 2 reviews

    Print Recipe

    This elegant (but easy!) Linguine with Clams recipe is a classic family favorite that can be on table in 30 minutes!

    • Total Time: 35 minutes
    • Yield: 4 portiona 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 lb linguine pasta
    • ¼ c salt
    • 2 10 oz cans whole clams and juice
    • 1 dozen fresh clams
    • ¼ c chopped shallots
    • ½ c white wine
    • 4 garlic cloves chopped
    • ¼ c olive oil
    • 3 tbsp butter
    • 2 tsp red pepper flakes
    • 1 lemon juice and zest
    • ½ C chopped Italian parsley
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    1. Boil 8 qts of water with ¼ cup salt. 
    2. Cook linguine per package directions.
    3. While pasta is cooking, start making sauce in large sauté pan.
    4. Add olive oil, shallots and garlic and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes.
    5. Add canned clams and juice along with red pepper flakes, white wine and butter. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
    6. When pasta is al dente, drain while reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
    7. Add pasta to sauté pan and mix in, tossing to combine.
    8. Add ½ cup of pasta water and fresh clams and cover, reducing heat to medium low.
    9. Cook until clam shells open. Then remove from heat and stir in parsley and juice from 1 lemon.
    10. Serve warm, topping with lemon zest and salt and pepper to taste.
    • Author: Superman Cooks
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: pasta

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bowl
    • Calories: 641
    • Sugar: 7.2 g
    • Sodium: 1302.6 mg
    • Fat: 20.6 g
    • Carbohydrates: 86.7 g
    • Protein: 23.2 g
    • Cholesterol: 38.7 mg

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