Linguine with Clam Sauce

Linguine tossed with a simple sauce of garlic, white wine, and minced clams.

Serves 4 Prep 10 min Cook 15 min Total 25 min

Ingredients

For the linguine

  • 1 lb linguine
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped garlic
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup dry white wine
  • 2 to 3 cans minced clams
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Garlic softened in oil, a splash of white wine, and minced clams make a simple sauce that clings to every strand of linguine. A quick and satisfying supper for a wine-and-oil day.

Method

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until al dente; tender, but still firm.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, make the clam sauce. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat.
  3. Add the garlic and cook until softened but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add the pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds more.
  4. Add the wine and the clams, including their liquid. Increase the heat to high and cook until the sauce is reduced somewhat.
  5. Drain the pasta and add it to the clam sauce. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
To keep it strict (oil-free)

Soften the garlic in a splash of the pasta water or broth instead of the oil to keep a strict fast.