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Pasta With Baby Clams

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  • #65169

This pasta dish isn't drowning in sauce but rather is topped with a simple tomato-flavored mixture of clams and onion.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes

ingredients

6 ounces pasta, your choice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (10 ounce size) baby clams, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
salt, to taste

directions

Bring a large pan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook as directed until al dente, 6-10 minutes depending on the pasta used. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft.

Add the clams along with their liquid, the tomato paste, black pepper, and salt as desired.

Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through.

Serve the baby clam mixture over the cooked pasta.

recipe tips


Use a large pot of water for cooking pasta to prevent sticking.

Salt the pasta water for flavor.

Saute the onions until they are translucent.

Drain the pasta well before adding it to the sauce.

Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to taste before serving.

Gently stir the clam sauce to avoid breaking up the clams.

Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Pair this dish with a white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

common recipe questions


Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh clams. Steam them until they open and use the liquid as part of the sauce.

What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine pairs well, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer.

Can I add other seasonings to the sauce?

Yes, you can add herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Is there a substitute for tomato paste?

You can use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, but the sauce will be thinner.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

The pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite. Check the pasta a few minutes before the package's suggested cooking time.

What can I serve with this pasta dish?

It pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can enhance the dish.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but you can use vegetable oil or butter.


nutrition data

621 calories, 11 grams fat, 79 grams carbohydrates, 48 grams protein per serving.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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