Spaghetti with Clams in Wine sauce
- Helena Radulovic Toffolon

- May 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 19
A Wonderful Mediterranean Meal: Spaghetti with Clams in Wine Sauce
Indulging in a delightful Mediterranean meal can transport your taste buds to sun-soaked shores and vibrant culinary traditions. One such dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of this region is spaghetti with clams in a luscious wine sauce. This dish not only offers a burst of flavors but also boasts numerous health benefits, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
To create this delicious dish, you will need a handful of fresh ingredients that are both easy to find and simple to work with. The main components include:
- Spaghetti: A classic choice for pasta, spaghetti provides a perfect base for the clams and sauce. Opt for whole grain or gluten-free varieties for a healthier twist.
- Fresh Clams: Look for live clams, such as littlenecks or Manila clams, which are known for their sweet flavor and tender texture. Be sure to soak them in salted water for about an hour prior to cooking to help purge any sand.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth to the dish. Chopping or mincing it releases its essential oils, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- White Wine: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is essential for creating the sauce. It not only adds acidity but also helps to tenderize the clams as they cook.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cooking. It adds richness to the dish while providing healthy fats.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley is perfect for garnishing the dish and adding a pop of color, as well as a fresh herbal note.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor and add a subtle kick.
Cooking Instructions
The preparation of spaghetti with clams in wine sauce is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Here’s how to bring this dish to life:
1. Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not burnt.
3. Add the Clams: Carefully add the cleaned clams to the skillet, followed by the white wine. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the clams to steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have opened up. Discard any clams that remain closed.
4. Combine with Spaghetti: Once the clams are cooked, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
5. Garnish and Serve: Finish by stirring in freshly chopped parsley and adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish warm, garnished with additional parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Health Benefits
This spaghetti with clams dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a wholesome choice. Clams are an excellent source of lean protein, vitamins, and minerals, particularly vitamin B12 and iron, which are vital for energy and overall health. The use of olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties.
Conclusion
A wonderful Mediterranean meal of spaghetti with clams in a wine sauce is not just tasty; it is a celebration of fresh ingredients, easy preparation, and healthful benefits. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Follow the recipe, and you will discover the joy of Mediterranean cooking right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients: simple, total time: 35 min, 4 serving
500 g spaghetti
1 kg clams
2 cloves of garlic/ minced
1 bunch of parsley/ finely chopped
150 ml white wine
150 ml water + little water as needed
1 whole chill pepper
salt and black pepper to taste
4 Tbsp liquid of spaghetti
100 ml Olive oil EVO for frying
Preparation:
Place the clams in 50 ml of heated olive oil, stir and after 2 minutes pour over with white wine. Cover the pan. Cook over medium heat about 10 minutes
Wait for the clams to open. As soon as they open, put them in a plate.
Clams that have not opened, add a little more water and let them open completely
When the clams have opened and the meat has softened, clean them and filter the sauce in which the clams were cooked.
Pour some sauce over the cleaned clams.
In the same pan, add 50 ml of olive oil, minced garlic, chili pepper and one sprig of parsley.
As soon as the garlic is fragrant, add the strained sauce and stir.
As soon as the sauce starts to boil, immediately add spaghetti, chopped parsley, and liquid in which the spaghetti was cooked. Stir for a 2–3 minutes, then add the clams, stir again for about a minute.
Serve immediately warm in plates.
Buon appetito!
"A recipe may begin with ingredients, but its true flavor comes from the love and memories shared through it." ☕♥️ 🌹
NOTE:
In this recipe I used smaller clams, you can also use larger ones and mussel mixture.
While cooking clams that have not opened, add water and cover the pan, cook on moderate heat.
You can leave about 10 pieces with the shell for decoration.
Do you want to try something a little different?
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