Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Clams
Dive into coastal-inspired cuisine with this Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Clams recipe, a flavorful dish that's as nourishing as it is satisfying. Featuring tender littleneck clams steamed in a fragrant blend of garlic, low-sodium vegetable broth, and a splash of dry white wine, this recipe pairs beautifully with whole grain spaghetti for a fiber-rich twist on a classic favorite. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, while fresh parsley and zesty lemon juice brighten each bite. Prepared in under 40 minutes, this heart-healthy seafood pasta is perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner. Garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that’s loaded with protein, omega-3s, and wholesome goodness. Perfect for seafood enthusiasts looking for a nourishing and delicious meal, this dish is sure to impress!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole grain spaghetti
- 2 pounds fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup dry white wine (optional, can be replaced with more vegetable broth)
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add a pinch of salt or omit if strictly avoiding sodium, and cook the whole grain spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and the white wine (if using) and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the clams to the pan, cover with a lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the clams open. Discard any clams that do not open.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the broth and clam juices. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, and black pepper. Taste and adjust with additional lemon juice or pepper if necessary.
Serve the spaghetti immediately, dividing clams evenly among plates. Optionally, garnish with a small drizzle of olive oil or additional parsley for presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1689 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.5 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 320 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 1581 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.5 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.1 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.0 g | ||
| Protein | 149.5 g | 299% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 659 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 159.6 mg | 887% | |
| Potassium | 3610 mg | 77% | |
*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.
