Seafood lovers, gather around! If you’re looking to bring the ocean’s bounty to your dinner table, this clam and shrimp pasta recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with the fresh flavors of clams, shrimp, garlic, and herbs, this dish is both easy to prepare and impossibly delicious. It’s a perfect choice whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with a restaurant-quality meal.
With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this seafood pasta recipe allows you to enjoy the elegance of coastal cuisine without any stress. The rich, briny clams combined with tender shrimp and al dente pasta create a harmony of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering clam and shrimp pasta recipe. Most ingredients are pantry staples, making this dish even easier to whip up.
For the pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- Salt for boiling water
For the seafood sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 pound littleneck clams, cleaned and scrubbed
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (use one you’d enjoy drinking!)
- 1 cup fresh clam juice or seafood broth
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
To garnish:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prep the Seafood
Ensure your clams are clean and free of sand (soak them in cold, salted water for 20 minutes, then rinse). Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Create the Base Sauce
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute (be careful not to burn the garlic).
4. Cook the Clams and Shrimp
Add the clams to the skillet and pour in the white wine and clam juice. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the clams’ shells open. Discard any clams that do not open.
Once the clams are done, push them to one side of the skillet and add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, the reserved pasta water, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir gently until the butter melts and the tomatoes soften slightly. Now, toss in the cooked pasta and mix until it’s fully coated in the flavorful sauce.
6. Season and Finish
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra luxurious touch, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose Fresh Seafood: Fresh clams and shrimp make the dish stand out with robust flavors. If fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen seafood is a good alternative.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Keep an eye on your shrimp as they cook quickly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so stick to the recommended time.
- Customize Heat Level: Love a bit of heat? Add more red pepper flakes to spice things up. Prefer it mild? Omit them altogether.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This clam and shrimp pasta is an ideal blend of simplicity and sophistication. The briny clams and sweet shrimp bathe in a garlicky, buttery sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 40 minutes.
Prepare this seafood pasta once, and it’s bound to become your go-to for an easy weeknight meal or special occasion. Pair it with a crisp white wine and a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate dining experience.
Dive in tonight—your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
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