Cheap Easy Clam Sauce for Pasta
Indulge in the simplicity and bold flavors of this Cheap Easy Clam Sauce for Pasta, a budget-friendly recipe perfect for weeknight dinners. With just a handful of pantry staples—like canned clams, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes—this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, delivering a briny, garlicky sauce that’s light yet satisfying. A splash of optional white wine adds a layer of sophistication, while a sprinkle of parmesan cheese elevates the dish to restaurant-quality. Whether you’re feeding a family or dining solo, this quick and easy pasta recipe pairs beautifully with spaghetti or any pasta you love, making it a go-to for effortless comfort food packed with coastal charm.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cans (6.5 oz each) canned chopped clams (including juice)
- 0.25 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- salt (to taste)
- parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or pasta of choice according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the canned chopped clams, including their juice, to the skillet. If using dry white wine, pour it in as well. Stir to combine.
Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
Stir in the dried parsley, black pepper, and salt to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Toss the cooked pasta with the clam sauce in the skillet, ensuring the pasta is coated evenly.
Serve immediately, garnished with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1042 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.1 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.3 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 16 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 739 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 113.9 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.9 g | ||
| Protein | 28.2 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 131 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 350 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
