Briny, sweet Manila clams meet silky ribbons of fall kale in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, finished with crunchy herbed breadcrumbs. It’s a cozy, restaurant-worthy weeknight pasta that celebrates the PNW coast and autumn greens—on the table in about 30 minutes.
Details
Ingredients
- Live Manila Clams (sustainably sourced) 1 lb, scrubbed $6.99/lb
- Spaghetti 8 oz
- Organic Lacinato Kale 1/2 bunch (about 4 cups), stems removed, finely sliced $2.79/each
- Organic Garlic 4 cloves, minced $6.99/lb
- Dry white wine 1/2 cup
- Lemon 1, zested and juiced
- Red pepper flakes 1/2 tsp (to taste)
- Olive oil 3 tbsp, divided
- Unsalted butter 2 tbsp
- Panko breadcrumbs 1/2 cup
- Organic Italian Parsley 2 tbsp, finely chopped $1.99/each
- Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Purge clams (optional but recommended): Soak clams in a bowl of cold, well-salted water 20 minutes. Rinse and drain.
- Make crunchy topping: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium. Add panko, lemon zest, a pinch of salt and pepper; toast 2–3 min until golden. Stir in parsley; set aside.
- Boil pasta: Salt a pot of water and cook spaghetti until just shy of al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water; drain.
- Cook clams: In a large deep skillet, warm 2 tbsp olive oil over medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds. Add clams and wine; cover and steam 4–6 minutes until clams open (discard any that stay closed).
- Finish sauce: Add kale and butter to skillet; toss until kale wilts, 1–2 minutes. Add drained pasta, lemon juice, and 1/3–1/2 cup pasta water; toss vigorously until glossy and saucy. Season to taste.
- Serve: Divide pasta and clams between bowls. Top with herbed breadcrumbs and extra lemon if desired.
Health notes: About 650–700 kcal per serving. High-protein shellfish, leafy greens, and olive oil; moderate carbs. Contains gluten, dairy, and shellfish.
Drink pairing: Crisp Pinot Grigio or a dry Washington Riesling.