Fresh Clam Pasta with Creamy White Basil Sauce and Crispy Prosciutto
Adapted from a Food Network recipe. This dish features delicious fresh clams in a creamy white basil sauce, topped with crispy prosciutto.
Adapted from a Food Network recipe. This dish features delicious fresh clams in a creamy white basil sauce, topped with crispy prosciutto.
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- olive oil
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 pound angel hair pasta or your favorite long cut pasta
- 1/3-1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 3 ounces fresh prosciutto (torn)
- 8 cloves garlic (peeled + smashed)
- 2-4 dozen fresh clams (rinsed well i used 2 dozen)
- pinches a few of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + more if desired
- 4 ounces fontina cheese (finely chopped (optional but again, not really))
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped + more for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (chopped)
- Carbohydrate 1.54582500129967 g
- Cholesterol 61.006250026162 mg
- Fat 23.2962125094198 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0.282347500138226 g
- Saturated Fat 14.6145050061885 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (898g)
- Sodium 171.125625076573 mg
- Sugar 1.54582500129967 g
- Trans Fat 1.61874875067874 g
- Calories 254 calories
Step-by-step
- Place a large saute pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and once hot add the prosciutto. Let the prosciutto get nice and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- To the same skillet add in a drizzle more of olive oil. Toss in 4 cloves of garlic and cook over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown. Remove the garlic from the skillet (leaving the oil) and discard. The garlic will infuse the oil with flavor.
- To the same skillet add 2/3 of your clams, the white wine, water and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the clams open. Remove the clams from the pan, let cool and set aside. Once the clams cool, remove the clam meat from their shells.
- Meanwhile bring the remaining liquid to a boil and let it reduce by about half. Once reduced, pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer and into a bowl. Reserve the clam liquid for later.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Back in the same skillet add another drizzle of oil. Add those remaining 4 cloves of garlic and saute until fragrant and golden brown. Again, remove the garlic from the skillet and discard.
- Add the remaining clams and the reserved clam cooking liquid. Cover and cook ten minutes or until the clams open.
- Meanwhile drop your pasta and cook until al dente. Drain.
- Once the clams in the skillet have opened and are cooked, remove them from the skillet. Reserve the clams for serving.
- Now add the shelled clams (so just the meat, no shells) back to the clam liquid. Now add in the butter. Allow to cook 2-3 minutes and then toss in the pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese (if using) and fontina cheese (if using).
- Toss well until the pasta is coated in cream sauce and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
- Remove from the heat, add the basil, parsley, oregano and some fresh pepper. Toss well.
- Garnish the pasta with the cooked clams in their shells (first batch). Serve right away with fresh pepper and basil. Enjoy!
A Traveler's Delight: Fresh Clam Pasta on the Amalfi Coast
The salty air whipped through my hair as I perched on a sun-drenched balcony overlooking the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. The vibrant colors of the landscape – the deep blue of the Mediterranean, the terracotta roofs clinging to the cliffs, the lush green of lemon groves – were a feast for the eyes. But the true culinary adventure awaited me in the bustling kitchen of a small trattoria, nestled amongst the charming, narrow streets. There, amidst the clanging of pots and the lively chatter of the cooks, I discovered a dish that perfectly captured the essence of this idyllic region: Fresh Clam Pasta with Creamy White Basil Sauce and Crispy Prosciutto.
The aroma alone was intoxicating. A symphony of garlic, fresh basil, and the briny scent of the sea filled the air. Watching the chef expertly prepare the dish was almost as enjoyable as eating it. The delicate dance of the clams in the pan, the careful reduction of the white wine sauce, the precise timing of the pasta – it was all a testament to the passion and artistry that went into each plate. The crispy prosciutto, a delightful counterpoint to the creamy sauce, added a touch of unexpected richness. Each bite was a journey for the senses, a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the simple elegance of Italian cuisine. It was a dish worthy of the stunning scenery surrounding me, a perfect complement to the unforgettable experience of exploring the Amalfi Coast.
The Ingredients: A Story of Simplicity
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients, though few, are carefully chosen to highlight the natural flavors of the sea and the garden. Fresh, plump clams are the stars of the show, their briny sweetness perfectly balanced by the creamy white sauce. The addition of fresh basil, oregano, and parsley adds a burst of vibrant freshness, while the crispy prosciutto provides a delightful textural contrast. The pasta, ideally a long, thin strand that gracefully coats the sauce, serves as the perfect vehicle for this culinary masterpiece. The process of preparing this dish was not only fun, it was also highly rewarding.
More Than Just a Meal: A Culinary Journey
More than just a delicious meal, this pasta dish represents the essence of Italian culinary tradition – a commitment to using the freshest ingredients, a celebration of simple flavors, and a deep appreciation for the art of cooking. It is a dish that evokes a sense of place, a reminder of the unforgettable culinary experiences that enrich our travels and expand our understanding of the world's diverse cultures. The memory of that sun-drenched balcony, the vibrant Amalfi Coast stretching out before me, and the unforgettable taste of this fresh clam pasta remains vivid in my mind, a testament to the power of food to transport us to other times and places.
Beyond the Coast: Bringing the Amalfi to Your Kitchen
While the setting may have been extraordinary, the recipe itself is remarkably accessible. Even without the stunning backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, you can recreate this taste of paradise in your own kitchen. With a little effort, and a commitment to using high-quality ingredients, you can transform your dinner table into a culinary escape. It is not just a recipe to cook, but also a journey to make, and a moment of joy to share.
This Fresh Clam Pasta with Creamy White Basil Sauce and Crispy Prosciutto is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It’s a moment of pure culinary bliss, a taste of the Amalfi Coast, and a testament to the simple, yet profound, pleasure of savoring fresh, flavorful ingredients.
A Final Word: Embracing the Journey
Cooking, like travel, is about embracing the journey. It's about savoring the process, celebrating the unexpected twists and turns, and ultimately, sharing the fruits of your labor with those you love. So, embark on this culinary adventure, gather your ingredients, and let the aromas transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy the journey, and savor every delicious bite!
