Half-Shell Pasta with Clam and White Wine Sauce
Creamy white wine sauce with tender clams and al dente pasta, finished with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon. This italian-inspired sheet pan ready in about 25 minutes blends half-shell pasta, (steamed open) clams, (minced) garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 16 oz half-shell pasta
- 1 lb (steamed open) clams
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 6 (halved) cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp (chopped) fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8 minutes, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in clams, white wine, cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5-7 minutes until clams open and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Add pasta and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss to coat. Stir in parsley and lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Shell Pasta with Clam and White Wine Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Half-Shell Pasta with Clam and White Wine Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Shell Pasta with Clam and White Wine 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 Half-Shell Pasta with Clam and White Wine 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 Half-Shell Pasta with Clam and White Wine Sauce?
Italian sheet pan 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
