Linguine with Clams

Savor the exquisite flavors of this classic Italian dish featuring tender linguine pasta tossed in a savory sauce made with fresh clams, aromatic sausage, roasted peppers, and juicy tomatoes. Garnished with chopped parsley and served with crusty bread and a salad, this Linguine with Clams is sure to impress any palate.

Ingredients

1	dozen fresh clams
1	handful of linguine or spaghetti noodles
1	large sausage link with fennel and garlic
5	large garlic cloves, minced
1	jalapeno pepper (optional)
2	tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced
1	teaspoon kosher salt
1	teaspoon sugar
1⁄4	teaspoon seasoned pepper, divided
1⁄16	teaspoon red pepper flakes
	dried oregano
1	lemon lemon
1	tablespoon parmesan cheese, finely grated
2	tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

Instructions

• For preparing the clams and pasta

  1. Clean the clams of all grit and heat 2 inches of water to a salted boil in a wide pan. Place the clams in the hot water, cover, and cook until opened, approximately 5 minutes. Remove the clams from the shells, chop them coarsely, and set aside. Reserve the clam broth.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

• For preparing the sauce

  1. Cook the sausage over medium-high heat until crumbled. Set aside. For added spice, roast the jalapeno pepper until charred, then dice it after removing the skin and seeds.
  2. Lightly salt the minced garlic and sauté in the rendered sausage fat, adding olive oil if needed. Once the garlic turns golden, add the diced roasted jalapeno, tomatoes, and a ladle of clam broth. Season with salt, sugar, red pepper flakes, oregano, and pepper. Cook until the broth reduces by a third. Add the cooked sausage and clams, toss gently to combine, and avoid overcooking the clams.
  3. Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, parmesan cheese, and seasoned pepper. Top with the clam and sausage sauce. Garnish with parsley and reserved clam shells for presentation. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
  4. Serve the Linguine with Clams alongside crusty bread and a fresh salad to complement the flavors.

Jul 31, 2024