Discover the authentic taste of Italy with this Spaghetti alle Vongole recipe. This classic Italian dish features tender spaghetti tossed with fresh clams, aromatic garlic, a splash of white wine, and a sprinkle of parsley. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, this recipe captures the essence of Italian cuisine with simple, high-quality ingredients. Learn how to make this delightful pasta dish with our easy-to-follow instructions and elevate your cooking with a taste of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients:

- 400g spaghetti

- 1 kg fresh clams, cleaned

- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

- 1/2 cup dry white wine

- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- Red pepper flakes (optional)

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Clams: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.

Cook the Clams: Add the clams to the skillet and pour in the white wine. Cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the clams have opened. Discard any clams that do not open.

Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the clams. Toss to combine, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the garlic and wine.

Season and Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your Spaghetti alle Vongole, a true taste of Italian tradition!

Nutritional values

400g spaghetti

 - Calories: About 158 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 31g

 - Protein: 6g

 - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

 - Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.

 - Contains some protein and B vitamins.

1 kg fresh clams, cleaned

 - Calories: About 148 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

 - Protein: 25g

 - Fat: 2g

Benefits:

 - High in protein and low in fat.

 - Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

 - Calories: About 4 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

 - May support heart health and immune function.

1/2 cup dry white wine

 - Calories: About 82 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor to the dish. The alcohol mostly evaporates during cooking.

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

 - Calories: About 120 kcal

 - Fat: 14g (including monounsaturated fat)

Benefits:

 - Provides healthy fats that support heart health.

 - Adds flavor and richness to the dish.

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

 - Calories: About 5 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

 - Adds a fresh flavor and helps with digestion.

Red pepper flakes (optional)

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds spiciness and may have metabolism-boosting properties.

Salt and black pepper to taste

- Nutritional Value (negligible)

Benefits:

 - Enhances the flavor of the dish.

Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

 - Calories: About 2 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a tangy flavor and vitamin C to the dish.

This spaghetti with clams recipe is rich in protein and essential nutrients, thanks to the clams, and offers a balance of flavors from garlic, olive oil, and parsley. The optional red pepper flakes add a kick, while lemon wedges provide a fresh, zesty touch. The combination of ingredients not only makes for a delicious meal but also contributes various health benefits, including supporting heart health and providing essential vitamins and minerals.