Tomato & Marinara

Linguine With Clams And Tomato

Name: Linguine With Clams And Tomato
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) linguine; 2 lbs (1kg) clams, scrubbed and rinsed; 2 cups (400g) cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh basil; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp (30g) lemon juice

By Kira Fairchild · June 19, 2026 · Tomato & Marinara

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had linguine with clams and tomato at my grandmother's house. The combination of tender clams, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta was love at first bite. As I grew older, I realized that this dish was more than just a delicious meal - it was a way to connect with my heritage and share that with my loved ones.

Over the years, I've perfected my grandmother's recipe, making it my own and adapting it to the ingredients and equipment available in my home kitchen. The result is a dish that's both comforting and elegant, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making linguine with clams and tomato from scratch. We'll start with the basics - selecting the freshest ingredients and cooking the pasta to perfection. Then, we'll move on to the sauce, where we'll combine the sweetness of the tomatoes with the brininess of the clams and the richness of the garlic and olive oil.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail and the emphasis on using high-quality ingredients. We'll be using fresh clams, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil to create a dish that's not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try their hand at a classic Italian-American dish. So, let's get started and make some unforgettable linguine with clams and tomato!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to enjoy a delicious and comforting Italian-American meal at home.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
It's a great way to impress your family and friends with a homemade meal.
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your own twist and favorite ingredients.
It's a great way to enjoy fresh and healthy ingredients in a delicious and satisfying meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great linguine with clams and tomato is in the balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the brininess of the clams, while the garlic and olive oil add a richness and depth to the dish. The basil, with its bright and herbaceous flavor, ties everything together and adds a pop of color to the plate.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. We'll be using a combination of sautéing and simmering to cook the clams and tomatoes, which helps to preserve their texture and flavor. The pasta, of course, is cooked to perfection - al dente, with just the right amount of bite.

Finally, the dish is finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish. The result is a meal that's not only delicious but also satisfying and filling.

By following this recipe and using the techniques and ingredients outlined, you'll be able to create a dish that's truly unforgettable. So, let's get started and make some delicious linguine with clams and tomato!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including linguine, clams, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. You'll also need some salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese to add flavor and depth to the dish. Don't worry if you can't find fresh clams - you can also use canned or frozen clams as a substitute.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to select the freshest and highest-quality items you can find. This will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish. For example, choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes, and fresh and fragrant basil. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new ingredients - this recipe is highly customizable and can be adapted to your tastes and preferences.

1 lb (450g) linguineLinguine is a long, flat, and narrow pasta shape that pairs perfectly with the light and flavorful sauce. You can also use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, but linguine is the traditional choice for this dish.
2 lbs (1kg) clams, scrubbed and rinsedFresh clams are essential for this recipe, but you can also use canned or frozen clams as a substitute. If using canned clams, be sure to rinse them under cold water and drain well before using.
2 cups (400g) cherry tomatoes, halvedCherry tomatoes are sweet and flavorful, and add a pop of color to the dish. You can also use other types of tomatoes, such as grape or plum tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes are the best choice for this recipe.
4 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in Italian cooking, and adds a rich and depthful flavor to the dish. Be sure to mince the garlic finely, so it cooks evenly and quickly.
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilOlive oil is the traditional choice for Italian cooking, and adds a rich and fruity flavor to the dish. Use a high-quality olive oil, such as extra virgin, for the best flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh basilBasil is a bright and herbaceous herb that adds a pop of color and flavor to the dish. Use fresh basil, rather than dried, for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt is essential for bringing out the flavors in the dish, and helps to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and the brininess of the clams.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper is a fundamental seasoning in Italian cooking, and adds a sharp and peppery flavor to the dish.
1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a salty and nutty cheese that adds a rich and depthful flavor to the dish. Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese, such as freshly grated, for the best flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) lemon juiceLemon juice is a bright and citrusy ingredient that adds a pop of flavor to the dish. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice, rather than bottled, for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Linguine With Clams And Tomato

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panSharp chef's knifeCutting boardColander or strainerInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Linguine With Clams And Tomato

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the linguine.
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's lightly golden and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
3
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're tender and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
4
Add the clams to the skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're open and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
6
Stir in the basil, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
7
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, and toss to combine with the sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is well coated with the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
8
Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it's melted and creamy.
9
Drizzle the lemon juice over the pasta, and toss to combine.
10
Serve the linguine hot, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
11
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh clams and ripe tomatoes, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the pasta - it should be al dente, with a bit of bite.
Reserve some pasta water before draining the linguine, to add to the sauce and create a creamy and cohesive texture.
Use a sharp chef's knife to chop the garlic and basil, for the best flavor and texture.
Don't be afraid to experiment and try new ingredients - this recipe is highly customizable and can be adapted to your tastes and preferences.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can result in a dry and disjointed sauce.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh clams and ripe tomatoes, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not cooking the garlic and basil long enough, which can result in a raw and unpleasant flavor.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can result in a sauce that's too thin and unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding other types of seafood, such as shrimp or mussels, to the dish for added flavor and texture.
Using different types of tomatoes, such as grape or plum tomatoes, for a unique flavor and texture.
Adding other herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the dish for added flavor and aroma.
Using a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor and texture.
Adding some heat to the dish, such as red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños, for added flavor and spice.

What to Serve With Linguine With Clams And Tomato

This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it as a main course, with a side of grilled meat or seafood.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

- Grilled chicken or shrimp, for added protein and flavor.

- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, for added nutrition and flavor.

- Garlic bread, for a classic Italian-American combination.

- A green salad, with a light and tangy vinaigrette, for a refreshing and healthy side dish.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chicken or shrimp

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply cook the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is hot and the pasta is tender.

Some tips for storing and reheating this dish include:

- Let the dish cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

- Use airtight containers, such as glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, to store the dish and prevent contamination.

- Label the containers with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long the dish has been stored.

- Reheat the dish to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C), to ensure food safety and prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Linguine is the traditional choice for this recipe, but you can also use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.

Can I use canned or frozen clams instead of fresh clams?

Yes, you can use canned or frozen clams as a substitute for fresh clams. Just be sure to rinse them under cold water and drain well before using.

How do I cook the pasta to the right texture?

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente, with a bit of bite. Reserve some pasta water before draining the linguine, to add to the sauce and create a creamy and cohesive texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish, such as seafood or herbs?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the dish to suit your tastes and preferences. Some ideas include adding other types of seafood, such as shrimp or mussels, or using different herbs, such as parsley or thyme.

How do I store and reheat the dish?

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

This dish is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as it contains clams and Parmesan cheese. However, you can modify the recipe to suit your dietary needs by substituting the clams with a vegetarian or vegan alternative, and using a vegan cheese substitute.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just be sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

This dish contains pasta, which is typically made from wheat and contains gluten. However, you can modify the recipe to make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and being careful to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.

The Full Recipe

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