Spicy Clam Pasta With Bacon, Peas and Basil

By David Tanis

Published June 10, 2020

Spicy Clam Pasta With Bacon, Peas and Basil
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
20 minutes
Rating
4(1,010)
Comments
Read comments

In a pinch, canned baby clams make a very decent pasta ingredient. There is great variation between different brands of canned clams — some are not salty at all, so bear that in mind when seasoning. The liquid in the cans is not needed here, but you may save it for another purpose if you wish.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • 1cup basil leaves, loosely packed, plus some pretty ones reserved for garnish
  • 1cup Italian parsley leaves, loosely packed
  • 2small garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper
  • ¼cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6ounces bacon, cut into lardons
  • 2(10-ounce) cans baby clams, drained
  • 1teaspoon finely chopped serrano chile
  • Pinch of red-pepper flakes
  • 1cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1pound spaghetti
  • Lemon wedges
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

671 calories; 27 grams fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 15 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 67 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 38 grams protein; 584 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Put basil, parsley and garlic in a mortar or food processor. Add salt and pepper to taste and ¼ cup oil. Pound or whiz to obtain a bright green purée.

  2. Step 2

    Put a pot of water on to boil and make it very salty. (It will boil faster with the lid on.)

  3. Step 3

    Over medium heat, render bacon in its own fat until browned and crisp but not hard, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Pour off fat but leave a small amount in the pan, just to coat the bottom.

  4. Step 4

    Increase heat to medium-high, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the clams, serrano chile and red pepper. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes, stirring and coating clams well. Add peas and warm through, then turn off heat.

  5. Step 5

    Boil pasta and cook until slightly underdone. Drain pasta and add to pan with clams. Turn heat to medium-high and stir all together. Add a splash of pasta water, if it seems dry. Add basil purée and toss well. Top with bacon and reserved basil leaves. Pass lemon wedges.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
1,010 user ratings
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Comments

phalgal

I strongly recommend against cooking the canned clams for more than a few seconds, just long enough to heat them thru, anything else will turn them into inedible rubber. It seems a lot of recipes using canned clams might have been adapted from fresh clam recipes, without adjusting the cooking time. It's best to rinse canned clams thoroughly and toss the liquid; canned clams can often be gritty, much of which stays in the liquid and will become part of your dinner if you include the liquid.

Libby

If I were fortunate enough to get my hands on fresh clams, how much would I buy to feed 4? 1 lb.? 2?

robinf

Who can recommend a good canned clam?

lauraklaura

Made it with pancetta, fresh peas, and fresh clams, and loved it. Thanks to the previous commenter who provided guidance about cooking the clams during step 4. Added a splash of wine to help make steam. Cooked the peas in the clam liquid before adding the pasta. I'd repeat with canned clams and frozen peas - I'm sure that's also good.

SDG

This is great. I used 4 galic cloves in the pesto. I added one diced shallot to step 4. Definitely use the clam juice (do not toss) as it adds to the flavor and makes a lovely sauce. Add the clams just before serving. My husband does not eat bacon so I skipped step 3 and baked bacon for myself to use on top with parmesan cheese. Served it in a pasta bowl with sauted zucchini and a little shallot. Delish!

Roxana

I don't bother with the clams, the recipe is amazing without the need to add them.

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