Sizzling Spaghetti Vongole Recipe: Coastal Italian Magic on a Plate

Salt-kissed waves dance through classic spaghetti vongole, whisking you straight to sunny italian coastlines.

Shells glimmer like tiny pearls against slick pasta strands.

Delicate clams nestle between tender noodles, promising oceanic intensity.

Each twirl carries Mediterranean secrets from naples’ charming kitchens.

Fresh parsley adds emerald brightness to this simple seafood symphony.

Crisp white wine weaves magic through carefully selected ingredients.

Uncover coastal comfort waiting on your dinner plate.

Why Rick Stein Spaghetti Vongole Is Worth Trying

• Simplify Seafood Cooking: Master an elegant Italian classic with surprisingly straightforward steps that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish anyone can prepare.
• Quick Gourmet Meal: Create a delicious seafood pasta in just a few minutes, perfect for impressing dinner guests or enjoying a special weeknight dinner without extensive kitchen skills.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: Enjoy a light, zesty meal that balances the briny taste of fresh clams with spicy chilli and aromatic garlic, offering a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Craft an authentic Italian dish using only a handful of fresh ingredients, proving that simple cooking can deliver maximum flavor and sophistication.

Rick Stein Spaghetti Vongole Ingredients List

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the perfect base for this seafood dish.
• Clams: Fresh shellfish that provides a briny, oceanic flavor to the pasta.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and creating a rich, smooth sauce.

• Garlic, Chili: Provide a spicy and aromatic foundation that enhances the seafood's natural flavor.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright herb note to the finished dish.

• White Wine, Clam Juice: Create a delicate, flavorful sauce that complements the clams and pasta.
• Pasta Water: Helps to bind the sauce and add a silky texture to the final dish.

How To Make Rick Stein Spaghetti Vongole At Home

Step 1: Ignite the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped garlic and red chili flakes, stirring constantly until the garlic turns a delicate golden hue and releases its aromatic essence. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible fragrance that hints at the delicious meal to come.

Step 2: Unleash the Clam Magic

• White wine
• Clam juice

Cover the pan and let the ingredients dance together. Steam the clams until they dramatically pop open, revealing their tender interiors. Discard any stubborn clams that refuse to open.

Step 3: Transform the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently lower the spaghetti into the water, cooking until it reaches the perfect al dente texture – tender yet with a slight bite. The pasta should have a confident resistance when you test it.

Step 4: Create the Final Symphony

Drain the pasta, reserving a splash of the starchy cooking water. Transfer the spaghetti directly into the clam sauce. Toss everything together with fresh chopped parsley, allowing the pasta to absorb the rich, briny flavors. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to every strand.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Plate the spaghetti vongole immediately, garnishing with additional fresh parsley. Serve alongside a crusty piece of bread to soak up every last drop of the luxurious sauce. The dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan to the plate.

Helpful Advice For Rick Stein Spaghetti Vongole

• Choose Fresh Clams: Select live, tightly closed clams that smell like the ocean, ensuring the best flavor and safety.
• Control Pasta Cooking: Cook spaghetti exactly al dente to prevent mushiness and help it better absorb the delicate clam sauce.
• Master Clam Steaming: Remove clams from heat immediately after they open to prevent rubbery texture and maintain tender meat.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to create a silky, emulsified sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti.
• Quick Serving Strategy: Plate and serve instantly to preserve the seafood's delicate texture and temperature.

Tasty Styles Of Rick Stein Spaghetti Vongole

• Gluten-Free Vongole: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free rice pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
• Seafood Medley Variation: Swap clams with a mix of shrimp, mussels, and calamari for a diverse seafood experience.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace clams with sautéed king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm to mimic seafood texture and maintain the dish's essence.
• Spicy Kick Upgrade: Increase chili flakes or add fresh jalapeños for those who love an extra heat punch in their pasta.

What To Serve With Rick Stein Spaghetti Vongole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the briny clam flavors and cuts through the richness of olive oil.
• Serve with Rustic Garlic Bread: Toast crusty Italian bread with a garlic and herb butter to soak up the delicious seafood sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a simple side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to balance the pasta's seafood intensity and add a refreshing element.
• Enhance with Chilled Prosecco: Pour a bubbly, light Prosecco that echoes the wine used in the recipe and provides a festive, crisp accompaniment to the clam spaghetti.

Keeping Rick Stein Spaghetti Vongole Fresh

• Store leftover spaghetti vongole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Gently warm in a pan with a splash of olive oil or pasta water over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst. Add a tablespoon of water to prevent drying out clams and pasta.
• Best enjoyed fresh. Reheated seafood pasta may lose its original texture and flavor, so eat within 24-48 hours for optimal taste.

FAQ About Rick Stein Spaghetti Vongole

• What are vongole in this recipe?

Vongole means clams in Italian, and in this dish, fresh clams are the star ingredient that provides a delicious seafood flavor to the spaghetti.

• Do I need special clams for this recipe?

Fresh clams work best, preferably live manila or littleneck clams from a reputable seafood market. Check that all clams are tightly closed before cooking and discard any that remain closed after steaming.

• How do I know when the clams are fully cooked?

Clams are done when their shells completely open during steaming, which typically takes 3-5 minutes. If any clams do not open, discard them as they are not safe to eat.

Spaghetti Vongole Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coastal Italian classic spaghetti vongole delivers briny clam elegance with simple Mediterranean ingredients. Silky pasta mingles with fresh herbs and ocean-kissed shellfish, promising a delightful journey through traditional Italian seaside cooking.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 lbs small clams, cleaned
• 1 lb spaghetti or linguine

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 small dried red chilli or 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste

Liquids and Oils:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) dry white wine
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) clam juice

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing minced garlic and red chilli flakes until they release a fragrant aroma and turn lightly golden.
2. Introduce fresh clams to the skillet, pouring in white wine and reserved clam liquid. Cover the pan and allow the shellfish to steam, approximately 4-5 minutes, until their shells dramatically pop open.
3. Simultaneously, prepare spaghetti in a pot of generously salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly al dente, typically 8-9 minutes.
4. Quickly transfer the cooked pasta directly into the clam sauce, using tongs to ensure some starchy cooking water comes along, which helps emulsify the sauce.
5. Vigorously toss the pasta with the open clams, creating a silky coating, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for brightness and color.
6. Plate the spaghetti vongole immediately, garnishing with additional parsley and serving alongside crusty, rustic bread to soak up the delectable maritime sauce.

Notes

• Always use fresh, high-quality clams for the best flavor and texture in your dish.
• Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking, as they might be unsafe to eat.
• Add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg