Clam Risotto Spaghetti

A creamy and flavorful dish combines the comforting texture of risotto with the delicate taste of fresh clams, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s an easy way to bring a touch of the sea to your dinner table.

Ingredients

8 cups water
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 red Thai chile pepper, seeded and chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 pounds verace clams in shell, scrubbed
¾ cup white wine
12 ounces spaghetti
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ cup chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

This dish combines the creamy texture of risotto with the familiar comfort of spaghetti. The fresh clams add a briny sweetness that brightens every bite. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that feels both elegant and satisfying.

Kitchen Advice

- Use fresh clams and make sure they are properly cleaned before cooking.
- Stir the pasta gently with the broth to help release the starch and create a creamy sauce.
- Add the clam juice gradually to avoid overcooking and to control the consistency.

Step 1

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then turn the heat down so it’s just simmering. While that’s heating up, warm some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in a chile pepper and some garlic, stirring gently for about 30 seconds until you can really smell the garlic. Then, fish out the garlic and chile and toss them—those flavors have already done their job.

Step 2

Add the clams to the fragrant oil, pour in the wine, and cover the pan right away. Let everything simmer until the clams open up, which should take around 7 minutes. Scoop the clams out with a slotted spoon into a large bowl and cover them so they stay warm. If any clams didn’t open, just discard those.

Step 3

Pour about four ladlefuls of the salted pasta water into the skillet along with the clam juices. Bring it back up to a boil, then add the spaghetti. Use a pasta fork or tongs to stir and keep the noodles from sticking. Keep the spaghetti just barely covered by adding more pasta water as needed, and cook until the pasta is tender but still has a little bite—about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 4

Once the pasta is ready, toss the clams back into the skillet along with some lemon zest. Give everything a good, gentle mix to coat the spaghetti with that lovely clam sauce.

Step 5

Serve it up in bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and don’t forget to put out some extra plates for the empty shells. Dig in while it’s hot!

Creative Serving Ideas

Serve this dish with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness. A glass of crisp white wine pairs beautifully, enhancing the seafood flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.

How To Freeze This Dish

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little broth or water to restore creaminess without drying it out. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

From the Dip Dish Food Team

Recipe Editors