Linguine & Clams With Calabrian Chilies

Linguine & Clams with Calabrian Chilies is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that marries the briny essence of fresh clams with the spicy kick of Calabrian chilies. This recipe begins with succulent clams steamed in a fragrant white wine and garlic broth, accented by crispy bacon and fresh parsley. The addition of Rao’s Calabrian Chili Marinara sauce infuses the dish with a robust tomato base and a hint of fiery heat, complementing the tender linguine noodles perfectly.

Finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for added texture and depth, this dish is both elegant and comforting, ideal for a special dinner or any occasion when you crave a taste of coastal Italy at home.

Linguine & Clams With Calabrian Chilies

Ingredients:

3-4 pounds clams

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 strips of bacon, chopped

4 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

½ cup white wine

½ jar Raos Calabrian Chili Marinara

8 oz linguine

Bread Crumb Topping (optional)

3 tablespoons bread crumb, toasted

1 garlic, minced

2 teaspoons parsley, minced

1 tablespoon parmesan cheese

¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

For the bread crumb topping, mix everything together and set aside.

In a pot, boil and cook the linguine according to package’s direction. You don’t want to overcook it since it will continue to cook in the sauce later.

In another large pot or Dutch oven, drizzle olive oil and let it get hot. Add the bacon and cook until golden brown. Add the garlic and parsley and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Add the white wine and clams, cover for 5-8 minutes until they open up. You’ll hear them popping in the pan. If there are any clams that don’t open, throw them out. That means they’re no good.

Remove the clams from the pot and set aside.

Add the Calabrian chili marinara and let it cook for a bit. Add in pasta and the clams. Top off with the bread crumb topping for extra texture. Enjoy!

Notes:

Clams Selection: Use fresh clams and discard any that do not open during cooking, as they may be unsafe to eat.

Bacon and Garlic: The combination of bacon and garlic adds savory depth to the dish. Ensure the bacon is cooked until golden brown to impart its flavor into the oil.

White Wine: The white wine enhances the broth’s flavor profile with acidity and complements the sweetness of the clams.

Calabrian Chili Marinara: Rao’s Calabrian Chili Marinara sauce provides a spicy kick and robust tomato base, crucial for adding depth to the sauce.

Cooking Linguine: Cook the linguine just until al dente as it will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing flavors and not becoming mushy.

Bread Crumb Topping: Optional but highly recommended for texture contrast. Toasted breadcrumbs with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese add a crunchy finish.

Serving: Combine pasta, clams, and sauce just before serving to ensure the pasta retains its texture and the clams remain tender.

Adjusting Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving, considering the saltiness from the clams and bacon.

Presentation: Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired, to enjoy the dish at its freshest and most flavorful.

Variations: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness, depending on personal preference.

Nutrition Information:

Yields: 4 | Serving Size: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta instead of linguine?

Yes, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.

Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I know if clams are fresh and safe to eat?

Fresh clams should be tightly closed or close when tapped.

Discard any clams that remain open after tapping or do not open during cooking.

What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?

You can substitute white wine with seafood broth or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.

The wine adds depth of flavor, so consider using a combination of lemon juice and broth as a substitute.

Is the bread crumb topping necessary?

The bread crumb topping adds a crunchy texture and extra flavor, but it’s optional.

You can omit it if you prefer a simpler dish or are avoiding breadcrumbs.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best to serve Linguine & Clams immediately after cooking to enjoy the freshness of the clams.

However, you can prepare the components (like cooking the pasta and making the sauce) ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

How spicy is the Raos Calabrian Chili Marinara?

Raos Calabrian Chili Marinara has a mild to moderate spice level, depending on your tolerance. It adds a subtle heat and smoky flavor to the dish.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of marinara sauce?

Yes, you can substitute marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes.

Dice or crush fresh tomatoes and cook them down with Calabrian chilies to create a sauce-like consistency.

How can I adjust the saltiness of the dish?

Taste the dish before adding salt at the end.

Bacon and Parmesan cheese already contribute saltiness, so adjust salt carefully based on personal preference.

What should I serve with Linguine & Clams?

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the pasta and clams.

Can I freeze leftovers of Linguine & Clams?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish because the texture of clams and pasta may change upon thawing and reheating.

Enjoy leftovers within a day or two for the best taste and texture.