Easy and Delicious White Clam Sauce with Linguini Recipe

Introduction

Welcome back to the Brooklyn Brothers' kitchen! Today, we're excited to share with you our beloved Linguini with White Clam Sauce recipe, a fan favorite from our restaurant days. This dish celebrates the simplicity and richness of fresh clams, paired beautifully with linguini. A special thanks to Jack and Anthony from Saviano's for supplying the fantastic clams that make this dish truly shine.

Ingredients

• Fresh Clams
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Fresh Garlic, chopped
• Parsley, chopped
• Fresh Basil
• Clam Juice
• Chopped Clams (canned)
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Lemon Juice
• Unsalted Butter
• Linguini Pasta
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Garlic: Begin by chopping fresh garlic. This will form the base of your sauce, infusing it with a rich, aromatic flavor.

2. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pan, heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is chosen for its robust flavor, which complements the clams beautifully.

3. Sauté the Garlic: Add the chopped garlic to the hot olive oil, sautéing just until golden. Be careful not to over-brown the garlic, as this can introduce bitterness.

4. Steam the Clams: If using fresh clams, steam them until they just begin to open. This makes them easier to work with and ensures they're perfectly tender.

5. Combine Clams and Sauce Ingredients: Add the steamed clams to the pan, along with canned chopped clams and their juice. This combination enriches the sauce with deep, oceanic flavors.

6. Season the Sauce: Incorporate chopped parsley, red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Adjust the salt carefully, considering the natural brininess of the clams.

7. Finish with Butter: Towards the end of cooking, stir in a knob of unsalted butter to the sauce. This adds a luxurious, silky texture and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

8. Cook the Linguini: While the sauce simmers, cook the linguini pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Assembly and Serving

1. Combine Linguini and Clam Sauce: Toss the cooked linguini with the clam sauce, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated and the clams are distributed evenly.

2. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the linguini with white clam sauce to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and additional freshness.

3. Enjoy: Serve the dish immediately, accompanied by a crisp white wine if desired. The combination of tender clams, aromatic garlic, and the warmth of red pepper flakes creates a truly memorable meal.

Conclusion

Linguini with White Clam Sauce is a testament to the beauty of simple, quality ingredients coming together to create a dish that's both comforting and elegant. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend feast, this recipe promises to delight your palate and transport you to the shores of Italy. Thank you for joining us in the Brooklyn Brothers' kitchen, and we look forward to sharing more delicious recipes with you. Buon appetito!