Half-Shell Pasta with Clams and Tomato Broth

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy seafood pasta made with tender clams, cherry tomatoes, and a rich tomato broth, finished with fresh basil and Parmesan. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs (shucked, with liquid reserved) clams, (small shells) pasta, (halved) cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.0 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in tomato paste, white wine, and reserved clam liquid. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add clams and cream, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until clams open (discard any that remain closed).
  4. Step 4: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the broth. If the sauce is too dry, add 2-3 tbsp reserved pasta water. Finish with basil and Parmesan, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Shell Pasta with Clams and Tomato Broth take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Half-Shell Pasta with Clams and Tomato Broth?

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 (small shells) pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Shell Pasta with Clams and Tomato Broth?

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 Clams and Tomato Broth 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 Clams and Tomato Broth?

Italian seafood 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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