White Wine and Garlic Clam Pasta Recipe – Australian Special
White Wine and Garlic Clam Pasta is a delightful Italian dish that brings together the fresh, briny essence of clams with the rich, aromatic flavors of garlic and white wine. This classic recipe embodies the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine, offering a sophisticated yet straightforward meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
The tender clams are steamed in a fragrant blend of white wine and garlic, creating a savory sauce that beautifully coats the pasta. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and refined, with the sweetness of the clams perfectly balanced by the acidity of the wine and the heat of red pepper flakes, if used. Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon add a burst of freshness, making every bite a harmonious blend of flavors.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, White Wine and Garlic Clam Pasta is sure to impress with its delicious simplicity and elegant presentation.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Total Time40 min
White Wine and Garlic Clam Pasta Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh clams, scrubbed and cleaned
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti or linguine work well)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup white wine (dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How to make White Wine and Garlic Clam Pasta:
Prep the Clams: If the clams are not already cleaned, scrub them under cold running water. Soak them in a bowl of cold water with a bit of salt for about 20 minutes to help them release any sand. Rinse them again before co
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Clams: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the clams to the skillet. Stir them around to coat with the garlic and oil.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and add the red pepper flakes if using. Stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the wine is slightly reduced and the clams begin to open. Discard any clams that do not open.
Combine Pasta and Clams: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and coat the pasta with the garlic, clams, and wine. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Season and Garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the pasta, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Recipe Notes:
For Best Results: Use high-quality, fresh clams and good white wine. The flavors of the wine and clams really come through in the dish.
Adjust Spice Level: If you like it spicy, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Extra Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of clam juice or fish stock in place of some of the pasta cooking water.
