Linguine with Clams

By Carrie Floyd, from the Culinate Kitchen collection

Serves	4
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Introduction

Served with a simple green salad and a baguette, this pasta makes for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

	1	lb. linguine
	¼	cup extra-virgin olive oil
	4	cloves garlic, minced
	~	Big pinch of dried red pepper flakes
	2	cups whole Italian canned tomatoes, chopped (juice reserved for another use); when in season substitute 1 pt. cherry tomatoes, cut in half
	¾	cup dry white wine
	1 to 1½	lb. littleneck clams, scrubbed
	3	Tbsp. unsalted butter
	~	Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
	~	Salt

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the linguine until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta-cooking water. Drain pasta, and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, stir, then add the chopped tomatoes and white wine. Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer, and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened but still brothy.
3. Add the clams, cover, and cook until the clams begin to open, about 2 to 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the clams to another dish.
4. If the sauce seems too thick, add enough reserved pasta water to create the right consistency: saucy, but a little brothy. Whisk in the butter, and remove from heat.
5. Add the cooked pasta, clams, and chopped basil. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until heated through. Season to taste with salt and serve hot.

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