Manila Clam & Burst-Tomato Linguine with Garlicky Kale
A bright, restaurant-style pasta that’s secretly super simple: sweet clams steam open in garlicky white wine, then you toss everything with blistered grape tomatoes for a briny, buttery sauce that clings to noodles.
Ingredients
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Live Manila Clams (sustainably sourced)1 lb, scrubbed $9.99 (reg) per 1 lb
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Simple Truth Organic Fresh Grape Tomatoes10 oz $3.50 (sale) per 10 oz
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Organic Jumbo Yellow Onion1/2 medium, thinly sliced $2.19 (reg) per 1 lb
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Simple Truth Organic Garlic Bulbs3 cloves, thinly sliced $2.79 (reg) per 3 ct
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Organic Lacinato Kale2 packed cups, thinly sliced (ribs removed) $2.99 (reg) per 1 ct
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Spaghetti or linguine6 oz (about 2 servings)
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Dry white wine1/2 cup
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Olive oil2 Tbsp
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Unsalted butter1 Tbsp (optional but great)
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Red pepper flakespinch to 1/2 tsp
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Lemon1/2, zested and juiced
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Salt & black pepperas needed
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Parsley (optional)1–2 Tbsp, chopped
Instructions
- Prep clams: Scrub shells under cold water. Discard any cracked clams. If any are open, tap—if they don’t close, discard.
- Bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil for pasta.
- In a large skillet with a lid, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add tomatoes and cook 4–6 minutes until they blister and start to burst. Lightly season with pepper (salt later).
- Add onion and cook 2 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add white wine; simmer 1 minute.
- Add clams, cover, and steam 5–8 minutes, shaking the pan once or twice, until clams open. Turn off heat. Discard any that don’t open.
- Meanwhile cook pasta until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Return skillet to low heat. Stir in kale so it wilts in the hot clam broth (about 1 minute).
- Add pasta to the skillet. Toss vigorously, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to make a glossy sauce. Stir in butter (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Taste and salt as needed (clams vary in salinity). Finish with parsley if you like. Serve immediately.
Health notes: ~700–900 calories per serving (estimate). Lean protein from clams; moderate carbs. Keep butter modest to lighten it up.
Drink pairing: Chilled Washington Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley) or a crisp Italian-style Pinot Grigio.