Go Back
–+ servings
Clam Pasta with Tomatoes and Spicy Breadcrumbs.

Clam Pasta with Tomatoes and Spicy Breadcrumbs

This Clam Pasta is a version of the classic Italian dish, pasta alle vongole. With cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and spicy breadcrumbs, this pasta is bursting with flavor!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the spicy breadcrumbs

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • ⅓ Cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 Tablespoon jarred chopped Calabrian chilies
  • 1 small garlic clove finely minced
  • 1 Teaspoon lemon zest
  • kosher salt to taste

For the pasta

  • ¾ Pound spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ Cup dry white wine
  • 2 Pounds Littleneck clams scrubbed
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh basil torn

Instructions
 

For the spicy breadcrumbs

  • In a small nonstick pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir until coated in oil then add the Calabrian chilies and garlic. Turn the heat to medium low and cook, stirring constantly, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the garlic is fragrant; about 5 minutes. Transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl so that they don’t burn in the pan. Season with salt to taste. 

For the pasta

  • In a large pan fitted with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes and season with salt. Add the garlic and let cook until fragrant and just starting to turn golden around the edges, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and the clams and cover with the lid. Cook until the clams have opened; about 5-7 minutes. With tongs, remove the opened clams to a bowl and discard any that did not open.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta to 2 minutes less them the package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Transfer the pasta to the sauce pan to finish cooking, adding splashes of pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Once you've reached the desired consistency for your sauce, turn off the heat.
  • Remove half of the clams from their shells and add them to the pasta. Add the butter to the pasta and toss to coat. Add the remaining clams in their shells to the pasta.
  • Garnish with plenty of fresh basil and serve with the spicy breadcrumbs. Enjoy!
Keyword cherry tomatoes, clam recipes, Seafood pasta, Summer, summer pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!