Spaghetti and Clams are traditional Italian comfort food - it is the kind of meal I grew up on. Tossed together with fresh tomato sauce and some grated cheese, this no-fuss classic is the definition of simple elegance.
This is a simple, rustic and enjoyable spaghetti dish. There are so many ways to prepare spaghetti with clam sauce and I think I will try all of them for all of you!
I thoroughly enjoyed this meal and yes, as so many meals do it brought back memories of my youth. My father loved fishing and clamming and I loved tagging along as his "fishing buddy". He found such pleasure in simply casting a line, enjoying a sandwich and a cup of coffee. There is something about the salt air combined with a cup of coffee from a thermos and a simple sandwich. You really find the simple joy of life.
We would bring our catch home; that is if we caught anything…and my mom would create a memorable, yet simple dish that today would be considered "gourmet" fare.
My mother's cooking simply was the very best. She never wrote anything down and rarely ever used a recipe, so I have to remember a meal by the taste and try to replicate the dish by the flavors I remember in my mind. I don't quite have this one down as I remember but I will try again to bring the flavors I remember to life.
Spaghetti and Clams with Fresh Tomato Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb. of fresh clams in their water
- 5 plum tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup of fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 3 tbs. olive oil
- Lemon wedges
- Parmesan or Romano cheese for grating
- 1 lb. of your favorite spaghetti
Instructions
- Heat a large cast iron frying pan with the olive oil; add the diced tomatoes, garlic, celery, and parsley.
- Simmer on low until the garlic is fragrant; then, with a potato masher, gently mash the tomatoes; add the seasonings and the clams with their water; gently simmer on low while preparing the spaghetti.
- Drain the spaghetti and add to the clam sauce; add a drizzle of olive oil, extra red pepper flakes, dried oregano, fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and grated cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Enjoy with love always!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
My family likes spaghetti with red clam sauce. We have to try this light version. It sounds delicious!
pepermintpaty says
your recipe looks soooo good. Do you thing canned clams with fish stock would work---or don't even think about trying it that way??
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
How amazing! I definitely don't cook with clams often enough especially seeing as how in love with them I am. Saving and sharing this to make immediately. oxox
Roz @ La Bella Vita Cucina says
So nice to know that you also enjoyed a little fishing with your father too Catherine. Brings back so many childhood memories! My mother is like yours in that no recipes were/are ever used! Such a gift! Your pasta looks like something I could just jump into and devour!
Hugs,
Roz
Beth says
This sounds delightful. Some of the best recipes come from memories from the past!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
This looks and sounds amazing! 🙂 I just love simple, fresh recipes like this that hold fond family memories.
marcela says
Sounds like a perfect dish! Very comforting!
Anne says
Saving this for summer, when both ripe tomatoes and local seafood will be at the farmer's market! Because sometimes it's all about a simple combination of the best ingredients...
Tanya walton says
I have to confess to never having tried clams....not entirely sure I want to either...if someone served them to me I would certainly give them a try but They just don't inspire anything in me to go and purchase some!!
I'm sure the dish is wonderful though.
Kathy says
Your dish of Spaghetti and Clams looks mouthwatering! I have made White Clam Sauce before, but I love the idea of a red Clam Sauce. Beautiful, Catherine!!