A cozy Pacific Northwest take on spaghetti alle vongole: sweet live Manila clams steamed with silky leeks, garlic, and white wine, then tossed with pasta, parsley, and lemon. Weeknight-fast, restaurant-level delicious. Serves 2.
Details
Ingredients
- Live Manila Clams (sustainably sourced) 1.5 lb, scrubbed and soaked $7.99/lb (sale)
- Spaghetti 8 oz pantry
- Organic Leeks (bunch) 1 large leek, white/light green parts thinly sliced $4.99/bunch
- Organic Garlic 3 cloves, thinly sliced $6.99/lb
- Organic Italian Parsley 2 Tbsp, chopped $1.99 each
- Dry white wine (or low-sodium broth) 1/2 cup pantry
- Olive oil 3 Tbsp pantry
- Red pepper flakes pinch pantry
- Lemon 1 (zest + wedges) pantry
- Salt & black pepper to taste pantry
Instructions
- Purge clams: Soak in cold, lightly salted water 15–20 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Discard any cracked or that won’t close when tapped.
- Boil pasta in salted water until 2 minutes shy of al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water; drain.
- Meanwhile, large skillet over medium heat: warm 2 Tbsp olive oil. Sauté leeks with a pinch of salt 3–4 minutes until tender. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds.
- Add clams and wine; cover and steam 4–6 minutes until most clams open. Discard any that stay closed.
- Add drained pasta to skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and remaining 1 Tbsp oil. Toss on medium-high 1–2 minutes until pasta is glossy and al dente, adding a splash more water if needed.
- Off heat, stir in parsley, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Health notes: ~640 kcal/serving. Lean seafood protein, moderate healthy fats, and satisfying carbs. Contains shellfish and gluten.
Drink pairing: Muscadet, Pinot Grigio, or a dry hard cider.