Spaghetti vongole recipe

Spaghetti vongole is the traditional Italian name for spaghetti with clams. This classic seafood pasta dish is simple to make but so flavourful. Spaghetti vongole has a garlic and white wine sauce, with bursts of fresh cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley. Clams are the star ingredient of a spaghetti vongole, and you can find them in some supermarkets, but the best way to buy them is by going to a specialist fishmonger. Spaghetti vongole is an elegant pasta dish that is so impressive. Serve with a simple green salad and fresh bread for a sophisticated supper without the fuss. Linguine also works well with this dish, and you can try using fresh pasta instead of dried to make it even more special. Whether it’s for a summer dinner party, an al fresco lunch, or a Friday night in, spaghetti vongole is guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

• 600g spaghetti or linguine
• 2tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 red chillies, thinly sliced
• 1kg clams
• 500ml white wine
• 300g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bunch parsley, roughly chopped

Method

1. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the packet instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, fry the garlic and chilli in the olive oil on a medium heat, (in a pan large enough to toss the spaghetti in later), until the garlic is just golden. Add the clams to the pan, then pour in the white wine and cover with a lid. Steam until the clams just open, this will take about 4 minutes, discarding any that are still closed.
3. Remove the pan from the heat, toss the cooked spaghetti, tomatoes and parsley through the clams to allow the sauce to coat the pasta. Season to taste and serve.