Are you a pasta lover looking to add some new flavors to your repertoire? Look no further than these 18 creamy clam sauce recipes! From classic linguine with white clam sauce to spicy tomato clam sauce with penne, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or rich and decadent, there’s a clam sauce recipe on this list that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
We’ll start with some of our favorite combinations, like linguine with white clam sauce, spaghetti with red clam sauce, and garlic butter clam sauce with angel hair pasta. And don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of options for those who like a little heat in their dishes – think spicy tomato clam sauce with penne or clam sauce with chili flakes and linguine.
But what really sets these recipes apart is the variety of flavors and ingredients you can use to customize them to your taste. Want something light and creamy? Try using white wine and heavy cream in your clam sauce. Looking for a bit more depth and complexity? Add some roasted garlic or saffron to give your dish a rich, savory flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these 18 creamy clam sauce recipes are sure to become new favorites. So go ahead, get cooking, and don’t forget to share your favorite recipes with us!
Linguine with White Clam Sauce
This creamy and flavorful sauce is a staple of coastal Italian cuisine, featuring fresh clams, garlic, and herbs. Serve it over linguine for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz linguine
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (6.5 oz) chopped clams in juice
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking liquid before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in chopped clams, white wine, and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta cooking liquid to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce
A classic Italian-American dish gets a seafood twist with this Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce recipe. Rich and flavorful, this sauce is made with fresh clams, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (6.5 oz) of chopped clams
– 1/4 cup red wine
– 1/4 cup clam juice
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add clams, red wine, clam juice, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti with the Red Clam Sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Clam Sauce with Angel Hair Pasta
A rich and creamy sauce infused with the flavors of garlic, butter, and succulent clams, served over delicate angel hair pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen clams, rinsed and drained
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 ounces angel hair pasta
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add clams and heavy cream to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until clams are tender and sauce is creamy. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and clam sauce. Toss until well coated.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Clam Sauce with Fettuccine
This classic Italian dish combines tender fettuccine noodles with a rich and creamy clam sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying this delicious meal in no time!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (6.5 oz/185g) of clam juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in clam juice and bring to a simmer. Let reduce by half, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked fettuccine noodles with the creamy clam sauce. Toss to coat and serve hot. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Spicy Tomato Clam Sauce with Penne
Elevate your pasta game with this bold and flavorful Spicy Tomato Clam Sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh tomatoes, the brininess of clams, and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup freshly shucked clams, chopped
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, clam juice, chopped clams, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
4. Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens slightly, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
5. Toss cooked penne pasta with spicy tomato clam sauce. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Clam Sauce with Fresh Herbs and Linguine
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the brininess of fresh clams with the brightness of herbs and a light, olive oil-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz linguine pasta
– 1 pint fresh cherrystone clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup clam juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking liquid before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute or until fragrant.
3. Add clams, white wine (if using), and clam juice. Cook, covered, until clams open, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss cooked linguine with clam sauce, adding reserved pasta cooking liquid as needed to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
White Wine Clam Sauce with Spaghetti
This classic Italian-inspired dish is a simple yet flavorful combination of tender clams, white wine, and garlic-infused spaghetti.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup clam juice
– 1 can (6.5 oz) clams, drained and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add white wine and clam juice. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until liquid is reduced by half.
4. Add chopped clams and reserved pasta water. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti with the clam sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Garlic Clam Sauce with Thin Spaghetti
Brighten up a weeknight dinner with this zesty and flavorful sauce featuring tender clams, garlic, and lemon. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a seafood lover’s delight.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz thin spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh clams (such as cherrystone or littleneck)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add lemon juice, white wine (if using), and clams to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until clams open.
4. Toss cooked spaghetti with clam sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Clam Sauce with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
This vibrant sauce is perfect for topping pasta, seafood, or using as a dip for vegetables. Fresh cherry tomatoes and basil add a pop of color and flavor to this classic clam sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz canned clams, drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the clams, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves to the saucepan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If using white wine, add it to the saucepan during the last minute of cooking.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Creamy Clam and Mushroom Sauce with Tagliatelle
A rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines the brininess of clams with the earthiness of mushrooms, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) tagliatelle
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz (225g) mixed mushrooms (e.g., button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) whole baby clams, drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook tagliatelle according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown (5-6 minutes).
4. Add clams, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes or until clams are cooked through.
6. Combine cooked tagliatelle with the creamy clam and mushroom sauce. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Clam Sauce with Pancetta and Bucatini
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this indulgent clam sauce, featuring tender pancetta and al dente bucatini. This classic Italian recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 6 slices pancetta, diced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– 12 oz (340g) bucatini
Instructions:
1. Cook bucatini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add clams, white wine, clam juice, and heavy cream. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until clams are tender.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Toss cooked bucatini with the clam sauce; serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Clam Sauce with Roasted Garlic and Oregano
This rich and flavorful clam sauce is perfect for pasta, seafood, or as a dipping sauce. The roasted garlic adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the clams.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 4 cloves garlic, peeled and separated into individual cloves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups white wine (optional)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 sprigs fresh oregano, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast garlic: Wrap garlic cloves in foil and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. Sauté butter and olive oil: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add olive oil, then add roasted garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add clams and wine (if using): Add clams to the skillet, pouring in white wine if using. Cook until clams open, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add cream and oregano: Stir in heavy cream and chopped oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Use as a sauce for pasta or seafood, or serve chilled as a dip.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (roasting garlic), 10-15 minutes (cooking clams)
Clam Sauce with Chili Flakes and Linguine
A flavorful and spicy twist on a classic seafood pasta dish, this recipe combines the brininess of clams with the heat of chili flakes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound linguine
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup clam juice
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 can (6.5 oz) chopped clams, drained
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook linguine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add white wine (if using) and clam juice. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half.
4. Stir in butter until melted. Add clams and chili flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until clams are heated through.
5. Combine cooked linguine, reserved pasta water, and clam sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Clam Sauce with Saffron and Fettuccine
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy saffron-infused clam sauce, perfectly paired with fettuccine. This recipe is a Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic clam sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine
– 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons hot water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– 8 oz (225g) fettuccine pasta
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; reserve.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add clams, white wine, heavy cream, and saffron mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until clams open.
4. Combine cooked fettuccine and clam sauce. Toss to combine.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Clam Sauce with Spinach and Whole Wheat Pasta
A rich and flavorful sauce made with fresh clams, spinach, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes, served over whole wheat pasta for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried spinach leaves
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz whole wheat pasta
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add clams, white wine (if using), chicken broth, heavy cream, spinach, and red pepper flakes. Cook until clams open, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss cooked pasta with clam sauce and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Clam Sauce with Lemon Zest and Capellini
This classic Italian-inspired sauce combines the freshness of lemon zest with the brininess of clams, perfect for serving over delicate capellini pasta.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) fresh or canned clams
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup clam juice
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz (225g) capellini pasta
Instructions:
1. Cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add the white wine and clam juice; bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
4. Add the clams and lemon juice; stir gently to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the clams are cooked through.
5. Stir in the grated lemon zest and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine the cooked pasta and clam sauce; toss to coat.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Clam Sauce with Fresh Parsley and Spaghetti
Elevate your pasta game with this classic Italian recipe that combines the brininess of fresh clams with the brightness of parsley. This light and flavorful sauce is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 12-15 freshly shucked clams, rinsed and chopped (about 1 cup)
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup clam juice or chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add chopped clams, white wine (if using), clam juice or broth, and butter to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until clams are cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve spaghetti with clam sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Clam Sauce with White Beans and Rigatoni
This comforting Italian-inspired dish combines the brininess of clams with the creaminess of white beans, all wrapped up in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound rigatoni pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup freshly shucked clams, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup cannellini beans, cooked and rinsed
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add diced tomatoes, clams, beans, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve sauce over cooked rigatoni pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of the sea with these 18 creamy clam sauce recipes perfect for pasta lovers! From classic linguine and spaghetti dishes to innovative combinations like garlic butter clam sauce with angel hair pasta, there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer a light and zesty lemon garlic clam sauce or a bold and spicy tomato clam sauce, this collection of recipes is sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get creative, and let the clams take center stage in these deliciously creamy pasta dishes!
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