Linguine with Clam Sauce

Linguine with clam sauce is a restaurant-style pasta you can pull off at home in about 30 minutes. The sauce comes together in one skillet while the linguine cooks, so it feels special with hardly any fuss.

plated Linguine with Clam Sauce with a fork

Flavor: A light and cozy mix of buttery garlic, tender clams, and a bright hint of lemon that makes every bite taste fresh and satisfying.
Time-Saving Tip: Prepare the clam sauce recipe up to a day ahead and chill. Then reheat when the pasta’s ready.
Serving Suggestions: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. A Caprese salad pairs perfectly with this old-world-style dish.
Freezing: This recipe isn’t freezer-friendly, but it’s super easy to make fresh every time!

butter , lemon , linguine , celery , red pepper flakes , clams , basil , wine , onion, garlic , parsley , oil with labels to make Linguine with Clam Sauce

Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Clams: Use canned clams with their juices for easy prep and lots of savory, briny flavor. If they’re packed in a salty brine, taste the sauce before adding extra salt. For a twist, swap in canned shrimp or small bay scallops.
Sauce: Dry white wine (see my favorites for cooking here) give the best flavor, but chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon juice works well too. Red pepper flakes are optional, but they add a little heat and nice color.
Linguine: Linguine holds the sauce beautifully, but you can swap in other long noodles like spaghetti, spaghettini, or fettuccine.
Variations: Add some sauteed mushrooms, shallots, or a handful of green peas for extra color and a little sweetness.

adding ingredients to pan to make Linguine with Clam Sauce

adding liquids to pan to make Linguine with Clam Sauce

How to Make Linguine with Clam Sauce

Sauté the onion and celery, then bloom the garlic and seasonings, and deglaze with wine (full recipe below).
Simmer the clam juice while the linguine cooks, then reserve a little pasta water.
Finish the sauce with butter and lemon, warm the clams through, and toss with pasta until glossy.

Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper just before serving.

taking Linguine with Clam Sauce out of the pan

Storing Clam Sauce

Keep leftover linguine with clam sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a little water or chicken stock to refresh the sauce.

Fresh and Easy Seafood Recipes You’ll Love

Did you make this Linguine with Clam Sauce? Leave a rating and comment below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes

Total Time 28 minutes

Drain the clams, reserving the juice in a bowl. Set the clams aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened without browning, about 4 minutes.
Stir in garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
Add the white wine. Simmer 3 minutes. Add the reserved clam juice and cook uncovered for 8 minutes or until slightly reduced.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving ¾ cup pasta water.
Whisk the butter and lemon zest into the sauce until smooth. Stir in the clams and cook 2–3 minutes more, just until heated through.
Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss with the pasta, adding pasta water as needed.

Store leftover linguine with clam sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water, wine, or chicken stock to refresh the sauce.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Pasta, Seafood

Cuisine American, Italian

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.