Authentic Italian Seafood Delight: A Taste of the Mediterranean

Picture yourself sitting in a cozy seaside restaurant, where the salty aroma mingles with tempting scents wafting from the kitchen. Today, I’ll walk you through creating a dish that encapsulates the flavors of traditional Italian seaside cuisine: a classic that’s delicious and easy to make.

With just a handful of fresh, genuine ingredients, you’ll bring to life a true culinary masterpiece. Simply follow the steps I’ll outline for you to bring the authentic taste of the Italian coast to your table. I still remember when my grandma used to make this dish: every forkful was like taking a plunge into the deep blue of the Mediterranean.

From the golden sauté to the finishing touch of fresh parsley, each element contributes to creating that perfect balance between land and sea. And if you want to add a personal touch, I’ll even share a few little twists to make your version even more special.

Now, roll up your sleeves – it’s time to get cooking!

Recipe Notes

• EASE: This recipe is a breeze to make, perfect for those looking for a no-fuss meal.
• PROS: Delivers an authentic taste with a rich blend of Mediterranean flavors.
• CONS: The cooking time is a bit long, but the end result is totally worth it.
• PREPARATION: Saute, simmer the sauce, boil the pasta, and toss it all together.
• NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 600 calories per serving.

Ingredients Notes for the Recipe

• Spaghetti: long, thin pasta, just perfect for this seafood dish
• Fresh Clams: add a fresh and delightful flavor to the sauce
• Canned Tomatoes: the base for a tasty and rich sauce
• Parsley: adds freshness and color to the final dish
• Olive Oil: essential for sautéing and for coating the spaghetti
• Onion and Garlic: create the aromatic base of the clam sauce
• Salt and Pepper: to adjust the flavor of the dish according to personal preferences

Nutritional Aspects

Let’s uncover the benefits of this traditional Italian dish:

• More than 20g of protein per serving thanks to the clams.
• Provides complex carbohydrates with perfectly al dente spaghetti.
• Moderate calorie content, around 600 Kcal per serving.
• Tomato sauce offers a good dose of lycopene, great for your health.
• Healthy olive oil for a good source of heart-healthy fat.
• Low in saturated fats and free from added sugars.
• Rich in minerals and vitamins from parsley and onions.
• Perfect choice for a balanced Mediterranean diet.

Recipe for Traditional Spaghetti Alle Vongole

Spaghetti alle vongole is a classic Italian dish, enriched with natural clams, peeled tomatoes, garlic, and parsley. Easy and quick to prepare, with a touch of red pepper for an extra kick. A traditional dish with an unmistakable taste!

Servings 4

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 400 g Spaghetti
• 1/2 Onion
• 1 Parsley Bunch of
• q.b. Olive Oil
• q.b. Salt
• q.b. Pepper
• 1 Vasetto Clams Natural (130 g)
• 1 Garlic Clove of
• 1 Scatola Tomatoes Peeled

Instructions

• In a large pan, pour four tablespoons of olive oil and add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and parsley. Sauté everything over medium heat until it becomes golden and aromatic.
• Add the drained clams to the sauté, gently mixing to let them flavor with the aromas.
• Add the peeled tomatoes to the pan, crushing them slightly with a spoon to mince them. Season with salt and pepper according to your personal taste.
• Let the sauce with the clams cook for about 20 minutes over low heat, so that the flavors blend well.
• Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until they are al dente.
• Drain the pasta, keeping some of the cooking water, and transfer it to the pan with the clam sauce.
• Stir the spaghetti in the sauce, adding some of the cooking water if necessary to make the seasoning creamier.
• Serve the spaghetti with clams immediately, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

To add an extra touch to the traditional recipe of spaghetti with clams, you can add a pinch of red chili during the sauté to give a spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the clams perfectly. Additionally, a final sprinkle of fresh lemon juice before serving will provide a pleasant citrus note to the dish.

Author: Tips4Food

Calories: 600kcal

Course: Seafood First Course

Keyword: Clam sauce, Italian cuisine, Lemon juice, parsley, Red chili flakes, Seafood dishes, Spaghetti with clams, traditional recipe

Variations for Classic Clam Spaghetti

Add a personal touch to the basic recipe with these variations:

• Clam Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
• Clam Spaghetti with Saffron and Grated Bottarga
• Clam Spaghetti with Arugula Pesto and Pine Nuts
• Clam Spaghetti with Sautéed Shrimp and Crispy Garlic

Frequently Asked Questions about Spaghetti with Clams

If you have any questions about making spaghetti with clams, you’ll find answers to some common curiosities here.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

To make the sauce creamier, simply add some of the pasta cooking water to the sauce and toss the spaghetti to achieve a creamy consistency.

How can I add a spicy kick to the recipe?

For a spicy kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté to enhance the flavor of the clams.

How can I add a citrusy note to the dish?

Before serving, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the spaghetti to add a pleasant citrusy note to the dish.