Best 3 Clams Italiano Recipes

LINGUINE WITH CLAMS

Steps:

• In large pot over high heat, bring 4 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of kosher salt to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until just shy of al dente (the pasta should still be firm to the bite since it will cook another minute or two in the sauce).
• Meanwhile, in a very large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until hot but not smoking. Add the shallots and garlic and sauté until just golden, about 30 seconds. Add the wine, red pepper flakes, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, clams, and ¼ cup of the parsley; bring to a simmer and cook, covered, until the clams open, 6 to 8 minutes. Discard any unopened clams.
• Reserving ½ cup of the cooking water, drain the linguine in a colander (do not rinse). Add the pasta to the sauté pan with the clams. (If you don't have room for everything in one pan, transfer the clams to a plate and cover to keep warm. When ready to serve, add them back to the pasta on a serving platter). Increase the heat to medium and cook the linguini with the clams, tossing occasionally, until the pasta absorbs most of the sauce and is just tender, 1 to 2 minutes. If necessary, add some of reserved cooking water to keep moist. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley; toss to coat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, lemon zest and/or lemon juice, if necessary. Transfer to a serving dish or bowls and serve.
• Note: When cooking with wine, select a bottle that is inexpensive (under $10) but still good enough to drink. Avoid "cooking wines," which are salty and include additives.

ITALIAN CLAM TACOS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Brush the tortillas with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Bake until crisp, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
• Add the cherry tomatoes, avocado and half of the parsley to a bowl and add the chile pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons olive oil and a third of the garlic. Stir together and set aside.
• In a large saucepan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and the remaining parsley and garlic. Add the shrimp and cook until cooked through, about 2 minutes per side, then remove the shrimp from the pan. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and add the cream. Cook, covered, until it thickens like a sauce, about 4 minutes. Add the clams and cover. Cook over medium heat until the clams are fully opened, about 7 minutes. Peel the shrimp (reserve the shells) and remove the clams from their shells. Chop the shrimp and clams and reserve.
• Fill a small pot halfway with water and add the onions, shrimp shells and some salt and bring to a simmer. Cook, 20 minutes, to make a broth. Strain the broth into the cream sauce to enhance the flavors. Add the cayenne.
• Place 1 toasted tortilla on each of 4 plates. Top each with the shrimp and clam mixture add the tomato-avocado salsa. Finish with the cream sauce.

BAKED CLAMS ITALIANO

Steps:

• Drain clams and reserve 3 tablespoons broth.
• Heat olive oil in a small frying pan. Sauté onion, parsley, oregano, and the 1/4 cup cracker crumbs for 2 minutes, or until onion is golden. Remove from heat and mix with clams, the 3 tablespoons clam broth, and garlic salt. Spoon into a dozen clam shells or aluminum shells.
• Sprinkle lightly with a mixture made of 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons cracker crumbs.
• On a baking sheet, bake in a 375°F oven for 25 minutes, or until crusty on top.