Heart-Healthy Pasta Vongole

Indulge in the classic flavors of Italian cuisine with a heart-healthy twist in this Whole Wheat Pasta Vongole. This vibrant dish combines tender whole wheat spaghetti with fresh, briny clams, infused with the robust flavors of garlic, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and the brightness of lemon zest and juice. The sauce, made with low-sodium vegetable broth and a splash of white wine, creates a light yet flavorful base that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the clams. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and salt-free Italian seasoning, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying without compromising on taste. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this seafood pasta makes a perfect weeknight dinner that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 lbs Fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup White wine (low-sodium or alcohol-free)
• 1 cup Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
• 0.5 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 tsp Ground black pepper
• 1 tsp Salt-free Italian seasoning

Directions

Step 1

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

2. While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.

Step 3

3. Add the fresh clams to the pan and pour in the white wine and low-sodium vegetable broth. Increase the heat to medium-high, cover the pan, and cook until the clams open, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open.

Step 4

4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the cooked spaghetti, reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and half of the lemon zest to the pan. Toss everything gently to combine and coat the pasta.

Step 5

5. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, ground black pepper, and salt-free Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6

6. Remove from heat and serve the Pasta Vongole immediately, garnished with the remaining lemon zest and additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1827.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2145.1

Total Fat 49.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 607.8mg	0%
Sodium 733.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 159.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.8g	0%
Total Sugars 8.7g
Protein 255.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1225.4mg	0%
Iron 139.9mg	0%
Potassium 7789.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.1%

Protein: 48.6%

Carbs: 30.3%