Clam Pasta (Alle Vongole)

This Italian Clam Pasta, known as Pasta Alle Vongole, is a cozy seafood dish easy enough to make any night of the week, but fancy enough for festive occasions!

I’m a sucker for a classic romance. I don’t read a whole lot of current “chic lit” unless it comes highly recommended by a friend. Yet certain novels that were required reading in my high school literature class, have a permanent position on my nightstand.

I equally enjoy sitting down with couple-friends and hearing, or rehearing, the story of how they met. Some people were obviously just meant to be together.

As with people, sometimes things were just meant to be: robe and slippers, popcorn and movies, campfires and marshmallows, eggs and bacon, peanut butter and jelly, the list goes on and on.

Classic combinations are comforting. A perfect pair creates a certain feeling of warmth and momentary bliss that leads to the making of memories. Our memories give the duo longevity, and in some cases, birth a legend.

Pasta with Clams… A Dynamic Duo.

Clam Pasta is a classic combo that has withheld the test of time. Clam Pasta is a rich, full-bodied dish with bright citrusy undertones. The noodles soak up the essence of the garlic, wine, and delicate clam juices to create a true Italian masterpiece!

Pappardelle Alle Vongole is a legendary marriage of wide pasta and clams bathed in a light silky cream sauce. However, fettuccine or spaghetti with clams is just as lovely!

Clam Pasta is traditionally made with spaghetti, as seen here, but you can use any sort of long pasta you like.

Our Clam Pasta is quick enough for a mid-week family meal, and dressy enough for a dinner party. Get ready to experience love at first bite!

Ingredients for Pasta Vongole

• Dried long pasta – such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• Olive oil
• Pancetta – chopped
• Shallots – sliced thin
• Garlic – minced
• Fresh clams – well cleaned (Pick small clams like littleneck clams)
• Fresh rosemary – chopped
• Crushed red pepper
• Lemon zest
• Dry white wine
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley – for garnish

How to Make Clam Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When hot, add the pancetta and shallots. Saute for 1-2 minutes, then add the garlic and rosemary. Saute another 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the clams, wine, red pepper, and lemon zest to the skillet. Salt and pepper; then cover. Drop the pasta into the boiling water.
4. Cook the clams for 7-8 minutes, until they are mostly open. Simmer the pasta for 6-8 minutes until “al dente.”
5. Add the cream to the clam sauce and stir. Then strain the pasta and add it straight to the clam sauce. (Make sure to reserve a little pasta water.)
6. Stir the pasta and cook another 1-2 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss. If the sauce is thicker than desired add a little pasta water. Throw out any clams that didn’t open.

Get the Full (Printable) Vongole Pasta Recipe Below!

How Do You Clean Clams Before Using?

Make sure to check and clean the clams well before using them.

The clams should be closed tightly without any cracks in the shells. If you find an open or cracked clam, throw it out!

Clams sometimes have a little grit or sand inside. You can get them to purge the sand by soaking them before cooking.

To clean the clams, place them in a bowl of cold water. Add 3 tablespoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Allow the clams to soak for at least 20 minutes. Then drain and rinse them in fresh water. If any of the clams still have debris on the shells, use a clean brush to scrub them off.

Can I Make Pasta Alle Vongole Spicy?

Sure you can! This recipe already has crushed red pepper flakes in it. If you find it needs a little more kick, add more red pepper, or add in a couple of dashes of hot sauce.

Storing Leftovers

This spaghetti and clams recipe is best served immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

What Do You Serve Alongside Pasta with Clams?

Serve this as a main dish with Caprese Panzanella Salad and fresh crusty bread. Or serve it as a side dish with Florentine Steak!

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