Linguine alle Vongole

Linguine alle Vongole (Clam Pasta) is a classic Italian dish that features tender clams in a savory garlic and white wine sauce, served over linguine. Here’s how to prepare it at home for six people. Ingredients: 1.5 pounds (24 oz) linguine 1/4 cup olive oil 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 2 cups dry white wine 4 pounds fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped Zest of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon Salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Instructions: 1. Prepare the Clams: Clean the Clams: Place the clams in a bowl of cold water with a bit of salt. Let them sit for 20 minutes to purge any sand. Rinse the clams thoroughly under cold water and discard any that remain open after tapping. 2. Cook the Pasta: Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook Linguine: Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. 3. Prepare the Sauce: Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Add Wine: Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Cook Clams: Add the clams to the skillet, cover, and cook until the clams open, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open. 4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add Pasta to Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the clams and sauce. Toss to combine, adding some of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a cohesive sauce. Add Herbs and Lemon: Stir in the chopped parsley, basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. 5. Serve: Plate the Pasta: Serve the Linguine alle Vongole hot, ensuring each plate gets a good mix of pasta and clams. Garnish: Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Tips: Clams: Use the freshest clams available. Littleneck clams are a good choice for this dish. Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well. Avoid sweet wines. Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and ensures it clings to the pasta. Enjoy your flavorful and elegant Linguine alle Vongole.

Italian pasta recipes

Here are 20 popular and delicious Italian pasta recipes that you can try at home, each offering a unique taste of Italy’s rich culinary heritage:   1. Spaghetti Carbonara A creamy sauce made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale, and black pepper. 2. Penne alla Vodka Penne pasta in a creamy tomato sauce infused with vodka, garlic, and crushed red pepper. 3. Fettuccine Alfredo Rich and creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with fettuccine. 4. Spaghetti Bolognese A hearty meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, onion, and Italian herbs served over spaghetti. 5. Lasagna Layers of pasta, meat sauce (ragù), béchamel, and cheese baked to perfection. 6. Pasta Primavera A light pasta dish featuring a variety of fresh vegetables, often with a garlic and olive oil sauce. 7. Cacio e Pepe A simple yet delicious dish made with spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and lots of black pepper. 8. Penne all’Arrabbiata Penne pasta in a spicy tomato sauce made with garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. 9. Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette pasta combined with spicy Italian sausage and bitter broccoli rabe. 10. Linguine alle Vongole (Clam Pasta) Linguine pasta with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley. 11. Pasta Puttanesca A tangy and robust sauce made with tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies. 12. Tortellini in Brodo Tortellini pasta served in a rich chicken or beef broth, often garnished with Parmesan cheese. 13. Pasta e Fagioli A hearty soup made with pasta and beans in a tomato-based broth. 14. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio A simple and flavorful dish with spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. 15. Pasta al Forno (Baked Pasta) A baked pasta dish similar to lasagna, often made with rigatoni or ziti, ragù, béchamel, and mozzarella. 16. Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce Ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach, served with a sage and butter sauce. 17. Pasta alla Norma Pasta with a tomato sauce featuring fried eggplant and ricotta salata cheese. 18. Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce Soft potato dumplings served with a creamy Gorgonzola cheese sauce. 19. Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragù Wide pappardelle noodles topped with a rich and flavorful wild boar ragù. 20. Spaghetti alle Cozze (Mussels) Spaghetti with fresh mussels, garlic, white wine, and parsley in a light tomato sauce.   Each recipe reflects the diversity and depth of Italian cuisine, showcasing various regional flavors and cooking techniques. From the creamy, comforting Fettuccine Alfredo to the bold and spicy Penne all’Arrabbiata, there’s a dish to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, these pasta dishes provide a delicious way to bring the essence of Italy into your kitchen. Enjoy exploring these flavors and sharing them with friends and family for a truly authentic Italian dining experience.