White Wine Clam Sauce with Spaghetti Recipe

This white wine clam sauce with spaghetti is the perfect blend of freshness and warmth. The local markets are bursting with fresh seafood, and with the addition of ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a splash of dry white wine, this dish comes together beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that brings a little bit of the ocean to your plate, making it perfect for a cozy evening at home, especially with autumn in full swing.

Ingredients:

- 400g spaghetti

- 1kg fresh white clams, scrubbed and rinsed

- 200ml dry white wine

- 4 large cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

- 4 large fresh tomatoes, diced

- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

- 1/2 tsp dried oregano

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- Juice of 1 lemon

- 2 tbsp butter

Directions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Clam Sauce:

- In a large deep skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

- Stir in oregano. Let the spices warm in the oil for about 30 seconds.

- Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down and release their juices.

3. Cook the Clams:

- Pour in the dry white wine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

- Add the cleaned clams, cover the skillet, and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the clams have opened up. Discard any clams that haven’t opened.

- Stir in the fresh parsley, lemon juice, and butter, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let everything cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

4. Combine:

- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, gently tossing it with the clam sauce until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

5. Serve:

- Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, if desired. Serve immediately, with a glass of dry white wine on the side to complement the dish!