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Delicious Italian clam pasta with herbs and fresh clams in authentic spaghetti alle vongole recipe.

Spaghetti alle Vongole

Make authentic Spaghetti alle Vongole with fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and white wine. A classic Italian seafood pasta that’s light, elegant, and simple.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Primo
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti 340 g
  • Salt for the pasta water

For the Clam Sauce

  • 2.2 lb fresh littleneck clams 1 kg
  • 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic lightly crushed
  • ½ cup dry white wine 120 ml
  • Fresh parsley finely chopped

Optional but traditional for gentle warmth

  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes

Instructions
 

Clean the Clams

  • Place 2.2 lb fresh clams in a bowl of cold water with 1 tablespoon salt.
  • Let soak for 20 to 30 minutes to release sand.
  • Rinse thoroughly and discard any clams that remain open when tapped.

Cook the Spaghetti

  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
  • Salt generously until the water tastes like the sea.
  • Add 14 oz spaghetti and cook until al dente.
  • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Build the Flavor Base

  • Heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
  • Add 3 lightly crushed garlic cloves and ½ teaspoon red chili flakes.
  • Cook gently for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  • Do not brown the garlic.

Steam the Clams

  • Add the cleaned clams to the pan.
  • Immediately pour in ½ cup dry white wine.
  • Cover the pan and cook 3 to 5 minutes, shaking gently, until the clams open.
  • Discard any clams that remain closed.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pan.
  • Toss gently to coat in the olive oil, clam juices, and wine.
  • Add ¼ to ½ cup reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce becomes silky and glossy.

Finish and Serve

  • Remove from heat.
  • Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
  • Taste before adding salt. The clams provide natural salinity.
  • Serve immediately while the pasta is glossy and aromatic.

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 24gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 520mgFiber: 3g
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