Custrd is out on the App Store — Download it free →
Back to recipes

Clam Spaghetti

A classic Italian pasta dish with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley, finished with Parmesan. Quick, elegant, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Total time
35 min
Servings
4
Calories
550
Protein
30g
Clam Spaghetti
ComfortingElegantItalianSeafoodAl denteTenderWeeknightDate night

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 lb clams
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup white wine
  • ¼ cup parsley
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Scrub the 2 lb clams under cold water, discarding any that are open or cracked. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Cook the 12 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

  3. 3

    In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, without browning.

  4. 4

    Add the clams and 1/2 cup white wine. Cover and cook until clams open, about 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Discard any unopened clams.

  5. 5

    Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the clams. Toss with 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.

  6. 6

    Season with 1 tsp salt (or to taste) and toss well. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Tools you’ll need

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet with lid
  • Colander
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Cook smarter

Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge

Custrd is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.