Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce is a true celebration of simple ingredients. The tender spaghetti blends harmoniously with the rich, briny clam sauce, making it a perfect dish for those who love seafood. A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley brings brightness to every bite, while the subtle heat from red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of kick.
This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it also offers a luxurious seafood flavor that can be easily adapted to suit any home cook. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion. Serve it with a fresh salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal that will impress.
Full Recipe:
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1/2 onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
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1 (6.5 ounce) can clams, drained and juice reserved
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1/2 cup dry white wine
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1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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1 pound spaghetti
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes and the clam juice, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Stir in the clams, white wine, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain the spaghetti, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the drained spaghetti to the clam sauce, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta.
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Stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce: A Perfect Blend of Flavor and Simplicity
When it comes to creating a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal effort, Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce is an excellent choice. The combination of pasta, fresh clams, and a vibrant red sauce brings a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated. This dish strikes a perfect balance between savory, tangy, and slightly spicy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or planning to impress guests with a flavorful Italian-inspired meal, this recipe delivers all that and more.
The Appeal of Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. While many seafood pasta dishes call for a long list of ingredients and intricate preparations, Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce is made with just a few basic ingredients that pack a punch. The combination of canned clams, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil forms the base of the sauce, and the addition of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese elevates the flavor profile.
A Quick and Easy Meal
Time is precious, and this dish understands that. Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce is incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for those busy nights when you don’t have time for complicated cooking. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a steaming bowl of pasta topped with a rich, flavorful clam sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. This quick preparation is especially great for busy families, individuals, or anyone who needs a last-minute meal that’s both delicious and filling.
The Versatility of Seafood Pasta
Seafood pasta dishes are versatile and can be adapted to different tastes. While this recipe uses clams, you could easily swap them out for other seafood, such as shrimp or mussels, depending on what’s available or your personal preferences. You can also tweak the level of spice by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes, making this dish as mild or as bold as you desire. Additionally, Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce is easily customizable to accommodate dietary preferences, making it a go-to for anyone looking to enjoy a simple seafood meal.
The Importance of Fresh Clams
One of the star ingredients in this recipe is the clam. While canned clams are often used in this dish for convenience, you can opt for fresh clams if available, adding an even richer, more robust flavor to the sauce. Fresh clams, when cooked just right, release their briny juices into the sauce, creating a delicious seafood broth that complements the pasta beautifully. If you’re using fresh clams, ensure you clean them properly before adding them to the sauce, as any sand or grit can negatively affect the final flavor.
The Role of Olive Oil and Garlic
The foundation of the sauce for this dish is olive oil, which provides a rich, fruity base that carries the garlic and red pepper flakes’ flavors. The garlic, when sautéed in olive oil, releases its natural sweetness and fragrance, infusing the sauce with depth and aroma. Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, which can be adjusted depending on your preference. The interplay of olive oil, garlic, and red pepper creates a comforting base that is both savory and aromatic, perfect for complementing the sweetness of the clams.
A Balance of Flavors with Tomatoes and Wine
The addition of tomatoes to the sauce provides a slight tanginess that balances out the richness of the olive oil and the briny flavor of the clams. You can use canned diced tomatoes for convenience, which is the preferred option in this recipe, but fresh tomatoes can be used when they are in season for a more vibrant, fresh flavor. White wine enhances the sauce further by adding acidity and depth. The wine helps to deglaze the pan, releasing any caramelized bits left from the garlic and onions and allowing those flavors to integrate into the sauce.
The Perfect Pasta Pairing
Of course, no pasta dish is complete without the right pasta. Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce uses spaghetti, a classic Italian pasta that pairs wonderfully with the light yet flavorful clam sauce. The long, thin strands of spaghetti allow the sauce to cling to each bite, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors with every forkful. If you prefer a different pasta, feel free to experiment with linguine, fettuccine, or any other long pasta that suits your taste. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture and bite.
How to Serve and Present This Dish
When serving Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce, presentation is key. The vibrant red sauce, speckled with bits of clams, garlic, and parsley, creates a visually appealing dish. For an added touch, you can sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top for a creamy, savory finish. A garnish of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the fresh flavor of the dish. To accompany the pasta, serve it with a side of crispy bread to soak up any remaining sauce and a glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the seafood.
A Crowd-Pleaser for All Occasions
This dish is versatile enough to serve at a casual weeknight dinner or as a show-stopping meal at a dinner party. It’s also perfect for meal prepping, as the flavors only improve as they sit and marinate together. Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce is an excellent way to bring the comforting flavors of seafood and pasta together, without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its simplicity, combined with its bold flavor, makes it a go-to recipe for any seafood lover.
Pairing Wine with Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce
Wine pairing can elevate any meal, and this dish is no exception. A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay complements the delicate clam flavor and the richness of the olive oil-based sauce. These wines’ refreshing acidity balances the dish’s richness while enhancing the seafood’s natural sweetness. If you prefer red wine, opt for something light and not too tannic, like a Pinot Noir, which won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the clam sauce.
Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce: A Dish to Love
Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce is the perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined with care and attention, can create a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is accessible, adaptable, and most importantly, delicious. With its balance of savory, tangy, and spicy notes, this dish has the potential to become a beloved favorite in your recipe repertoire. The next time you’re craving something comforting yet sophisticated, turn to Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce for a dish that will delight your taste buds.
Conclusion
Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce is a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of Italian cooking—simple, fresh ingredients transformed into a comforting, flavorful dish. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is an easy and quick way to bring a taste of the sea to your dinner table. With its blend of rich olive oil, savory garlic, briny clams, and fresh herbs, this dish is a testament to the power of simplicity in creating a remarkable meal. So, the next time you find yourself craving a satisfying, flavorful seafood pasta, don’t hesitate to try Chef John’s Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce. It’s a dish that is sure to please every time.
