Spaghetti Red Clam Sauce

Dive into the coastal-inspired flavors of Spaghetti Red Clam Sauce—a hearty, elegant dish perfect for seafood lovers. This recipe combines al dente spaghetti with a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a splash of dry white wine for depth. Fresh clams are the star, adding a tender, briny sweetness that pairs beautifully with fragrant basil and parsley. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Top it off with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and serve with warm crusty bread for the ultimate Italian dining experience. Perfect for fans of classic spaghetti recipes and fresh seafood, this dish is as versatile as it is satisfying!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 lbs live clams (such as littleneck or manila)
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (optional)
• 0 as needed water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, clean and purge the clams of any sand. Soak them in cold, salted water for 15–20 minutes, then rinse and scrub them under running water. Discard any clams that are open and do not close when tapped.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and dry white wine. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Stir the fresh parsley, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper into the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Add the clams to the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the clams open. Discard any clams that do not open after cooking.

Step 8

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the clam sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.

Step 9

Divide the spaghetti among serving plates. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or basil, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 10

Serve immediately with warm crusty bread on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2377.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2508.5

Total Fat 87.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 427.0mg	0%
Sodium 6428.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 190.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.3g	0%
Total Sugars 37.6g
Protein 203.0g	0%

Vitamin D 25.6IU	0%
Calcium 2180.0mg	0%
Iron 164.7mg	0%
Potassium 5401.3mg	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: 33.4%

Protein: 34.4%

Carbs: 32.2%