Pasta with Clams and Zucchini in White Wine Sauce
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this luscious Pasta with Clams and Zucchini in White Wine Sauce. A perfect blend of tender clams, crisp zucchini, and al dente pasta, all brought together with a delicate white wine sauce for a gourmet Mediterranean experience.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for lemon zest and Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 pound clams, cleaned
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Add the cleaned clams to the skillet, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the clams have opened. Discard any clams that do not open.
- In another skillet, sauté the zucchini with a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat until tender and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked zucchini to the skillet with clams. Stir in the red pepper flakes if using.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the clams and zucchini. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Stir in the fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Ensure clams are fresh and properly cleaned to avoid sand and grit in your dish.
The pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta and ingredients.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Substitute with gluten-free pasta if required, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Pair this dish with a crisp, dry white wine to complement the flavors.