Sicilian-Style Spaghetti with Clams Recipe

Feb 21, 2025 | Recipes & Cooking Tips

Written By Rhen

Craving a taste of the Italian coast? This Sicilian-style spaghetti with clams is the dish that’ll transport you straight to a sunny seaside villa. With the Spaghetti alle Vongole alla Siciliana Recipe, you’ll enjoy a delightful blend of fresh clams, garlic, and a hint of spice, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.

Imagine twirling forkfuls of al dente spaghetti wrapped in a savory sauce that embodies the essence of the Mediterranean. This recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the experience of sharing a meal with loved ones, accompanied by laughter and stories.

The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up! In just about 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Savor the Flavors of Sicily

This Sicilian-style spaghetti with clams is a delightful dish that captures the essence of coastal Italy. Each forkful of spaghetti is generously coated in a rich, garlicky sauce, while the fresh clams add a distinct briny taste that transports you to sun-soaked shores.

The addition of red pepper flakes brings a subtle warmth, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the delicate seafood. Fresh parsley sprinkled atop offers a burst of color and freshness, making this dish not only appetizing but also visually appealing.

Ingredients That Shine

The simplicity of the ingredients used in this dish is what allows the flavors to truly shine. With just a handful of components including spaghetti, fresh clams, garlic, and olive oil, you can create a dish that feels indulgent without requiring an exhaustive list of items.

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Using high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs elevates the taste, creating a harmonious blend that complements the clams beautifully. The use of dry white wine adds depth and a slight acidity, balancing the richness of the garlic and oil.

Cooking Process

Preparing this Sicilian-style spaghetti is a straightforward process that requires minimal time and effort. Start by cooking the spaghetti until al dente, ensuring it maintains a firm texture that pairs well with the sauce.

In a skillet, you’ll sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil, allowing the aromatics to infuse the oil. Once fragrant, the addition of white wine and clams sets the stage for a quick yet flavorful cooking experience as the clams steam open, releasing their natural juices.

Aromatic Experience

The cooking process is an aromatic journey, with the scent of garlic mingling with the brininess of the clams and the freshness of the parsley. As the clams open, they impart a subtle sweetness that rounds out the dish, ensuring that each bite is harmonious and satisfying.

Combining everything in the skillet allows the spaghetti to absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a dish that is both savory and comforting. The light garlic and olive oil sauce envelops the pasta perfectly, making it a splendid choice for a cozy gathering or a casual meal at home.

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines on its own, but there are a few simple garnishes that enhance the overall presentation and experience. Fresh lemon wedges are perfect for squeezing over the pasta, adding a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the oil and garlic.

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A sprinkle of more chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh element that complements the seafood beautifully. Serving the spaghetti in rustic bowls on a wooden table evokes a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Pairing Options

When it comes to pairing beverages with this Sicilian-style spaghetti, a light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice. These wines enhance the dish’s flavors without overshadowing the delicate profile of the clams and garlic.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a hint of citrus can provide a refreshing contrast, making each bite of pasta feel light and vibrant. Enjoying this meal with good company is what truly makes it special, as laughter and conversation blend seamlessly with the delightful flavors on your plate.

Savor the Flavors of Sicily

Sicilian-style spaghetti with clams, garnished with parsley and lemon, on a rustic wooden table.

This Sicilian-style spaghetti with clams features tender pasta enveloped in a rich, garlicky sauce, complemented by the brininess of fresh clams. A touch of red pepper flakes adds warmth, while a sprinkle of parsley contributes a burst of freshness. The resulting dish is both satisfying and comforting, with a taste that reminds you of ocean breezes and sun-soaked shores.

Ingredients

  • 400g spaghetti
  • 1 kg fresh clams, cleaned
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add Clams: Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Add the cleaned clams, cover the skillet, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the clams open up.
  4. Combine: Once the clams are open, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
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Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 410kcal
  • Fat: 12g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g

Written By Rhen

Meet Chef Alex, a passionate culinary expert with over a decade of experience in the kitchen. Specializing in blending classic recipes with modern twists, Chef Alex is dedicated to sharing knowledge and inspiring cooks of all levels to embrace the joy of cooking. Follow along for expert tips and delicious recipes that will elevate your culinary skills.

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