Pasta With Marinara, Olives and Clams Recipe

Pasta with Marinara, Olives, and Clams is a delightful seafood dish that combines the briny flavor of clams with a rich marinara sauce and the saltiness of olives. It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:
  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt, for pasta water
• For the Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup pitted olives (Kalamata or green), sliced
  • 1 pound fresh clams (littleneck or Manila), scrubbed
  • 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes and olives, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Add the Clams:

• If using white wine, add it to the sauce and stir to combine.
• Add the clams to the skillet, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the clams open up. Discard any clams that do not open.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Once the clams have opened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

• Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Tips:

• Freshness: Using fresh clams will give the dish a more vibrant flavor. If fresh clams are not available, you can use canned clams (drained) as a substitute; add them at the end to heat through.
• Variations: You can add other seafood like shrimp or mussels for extra flavor and texture.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with vegetable or chicken broth.

Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Marinara, Olives, and Clams! This dish is not only tasty but also brings a touch of the sea to your dinner table.