Lynnwood Light Rail-Inspired Clam Chowder

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

A creamy, herbaceous clam chowder with a hint of dill, inspired by the scenic routes of the Sound Transit system. This pacific northwest-inspired soups ready in about 65 minutes pairs (fresh, steamed) clams, medium (diced) potatoes, (finely diced) onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Pacific Northwest cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, sauté onion and celery over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add potatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Pour in white wine and 2 cups water; bring to a boil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in milk, clams, dill, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until clams are fully open and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional dill and a drizzle of cream if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lynnwood Light Rail-Inspired Clam Chowder take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 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 Lynnwood Light Rail-Inspired Clam Chowder?

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 (fresh, steamed) clams from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lynnwood Light Rail-Inspired Clam Chowder?

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 Lynnwood Light Rail-Inspired Clam Chowder 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 Lynnwood Light Rail-Inspired Clam Chowder?

Pacific Northwest soups 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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