Authentic Italian Linguine with Clam Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, briny seafood pasta dish with tender clams, garlic, and tomatoes, finished with a splash of white wine and fresh parsley. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs linguine pasta, clams, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 lbs shucked clams and their juice, 1/2 cup white wine, and 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Cook 5-7 minutes until clams open, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir in cooked pasta, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until sauce thickens and clings to the pasta. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Italian Linguine with Clam Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Italian Linguine with Clam Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep linguine pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Italian Linguine with Clam Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Italian Linguine with Clam Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Italian Linguine with Clam Sauce?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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