Linguine with Canned Clam Sauce

This delicious and quick recipe for Linguine with Canned Clam Sauce uses canned clams and other pantry staples. It's a simple yet elegant pasta supper that is ready and on the table in just 20 minutes!

If you love seafood pasta, try this shrimp spinach tomato pasta next!

One of the most succulent dishes in fine Italian restaurants is Linguine with Clam Sauce. A simple yet extraordinary dish that will transport you on an evening out with a single bite.

Yet with just a few pantry staples, you can make this lovely dish anytime, on any day, in just 20 minutes! I love easy pantry meals like this when I don't know what to cook and I have not had time to go to the store. This Linguini with Canned Clam Sauce recipe is an easy, elegant dish that looks like you've put a ton more effort into dinner than it actually took. All you need is a well-stocked pantry.

Here are some reasons to love this dish:

• The result is an elegant meal that feels special without much fuss.
• It uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• It comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Key Ingredients

• Pasta: I’m using linguine because the sauce clings to this noodle style pasta, but use your favorite
• Olive oil + Butter for a silky sauce
• Clams: Look for canned minced clams and reserve the juice
• Aromatics: Garlic cloves, fresh parsley, crushed red chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
• Parmesan: Grated parmesan cheese for a delicious finish

How to Make This Easy Pasta Dish

This quick pasta dish comes together in 3 easy steps:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain.
2. Make the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the garlic in the oil, butter, and reserved clam juice for about 5 minutes. Add the clams and chili flakes and continue cooking for another minute.
3. Toss with pasta: Add the pasta to the skillet and toss with the clam sauce. Sprinkle the parmesan over the pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Do I have to use canned clams for this Linguine with Clam Sauce recipe?

I love this recipe as it is a pantry meal. While I always love fresh seafood in something like my Seafood Chowder with Mussels and Shrimp, I also love the convenience of canned clams here! You can however sub in any other canned bivalve like mussels which will work well in this recipe too.

Do I have to use linguine for this pasta recipe?

I like linguine because the sauce clings really well to the toothsome noodles, but any noodle-style pasta would work here. Go thinner with spaghetti, make this dish even speedier by using vermicelli, or if you prefer a wider noodle, tagliatelle will work well too.