Spaghetti alla Vongole Recipe
Embark on a culinary journey to the picturesque coastal regions of Italy with our Spaghetti alla Vongole Recipe. This timeless classic captures the essence of Italian seaside dining, featuring tender clams, al dente spaghetti, and a symphony of flavors from garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs. Whether you're yearning for a taste of the Mediterranean or preparing a special meal for loved ones, Spaghetti alla Vongole is a dish that never fails to delight the senses.
To create this delectable Spaghetti alla Vongole, gather the following ingredients:
-
12 ounces spaghetti
-
2 pounds fresh Manila clams, scrubbed and cleaned
-
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
-
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
-
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
-
1/2 cup dry white wine
-
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
-
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Spaghetti alla Vongole Instructions:
Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
​
Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing them for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns golden and aromatic.
​
Steam the Clams: Carefully add the cleaned Manila clams to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Pour in the dry white wine, then cover the skillet with a lid. Steam the clams for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they open. Discard any clams that do not open.
​
Add Fresh Parsley and Lemon Zest: Once the clams have opened and released their flavorful juices, add the freshly chopped parsley and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, infusing the sauce with fresh herbal and citrus notes.
Combine Pasta and Clam Sauce: Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the fragrant clam sauce. Ensure that the pasta is thoroughly coated with the aromatic mixture.
​
Finish with Lemon Juice and Season: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the Spaghetti alla Vongole, adding a bright and zesty finish to the dish. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.