Easy Red Clam Sauce
A quick and EASY Red Clam Sauce with a โcooked all dayโ richness that will be a favorite for any pasta lover! Made with tomatoes, clams, salty pancetta and spices, this is just another perfect weeknight dinner to add to your rotation. Even better the next day for lunch!
Red Clam Sauce
If youโve been following The Suburban Soapbox for awhile now, you know Iโm not a big fan of red sauceโฆ.unless itโs a rich and meat Bolognese that you could lap up with a spoon sans pasta. But this easy Red Clam Sauce is a close second and now Iโm thinking that maybe I DO like red sauce on my pasta.
I know most people love a White Clam Sauce but when Iโm going for that true seafood flavor Iโm ordering a big bowl of Linguine with Red Clam Sauce. Itโs tangy and briney and perfect in every way. Thereโs something magical about the tomato flavor with the clams that makes it taste like youโre dining in Il San Pietroโฆ.or another Italian coastal town that Iโve never been to. ๐
Whatโs even better about this Linguine with Red Clam Sauce recipe is that itโs super easy to make and you could even double or triple the batch to freeze for easy meals later. It has that โcooked all dayโ flavor but doesnโt actually have to cook all day.
What is Clam Sauce
Clam sauce is a topping for pasta that is made with clams. There are two varieties, white and red. White clam sauce is made with clams, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley and, sometimes, white wine.
Red Clam Sauce is a tomato based sauce with minced clams mixed in. This is a Red Clam Sauce recipeโฆ.in case you got lost along the way.
What Does It Taste Like
Linguine with Red Clam Sauce tastes like a tangy, sweet tomato sauce with a hint of brininess from the sea. It doesnโt taste fishy, as some may think. The clam flavor is surprisingly subtle.
How Long Does It Last
Your Red Clam Sauce will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze your clam sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw your red clam sauce in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave until heated.
What To Serve With It
Because Linguine with Red Clams Sauce is a pretty hearty dinner we like to serve it alongside a classic wedge salad or a bright fresh Mediterranean Salad. If youโre looking to serve a full on Italian Feast, this is a fantastic side dish for Chicken Parmesan or this easy Chicken Cacciatore.
If youโre looking for more Italian favorite sauces, we love this quick and easy Vodka Sauce. Itโs creamy but light and goes great on everything. And this hearty Italian Meat Sauce comes together in just 30 minutes.
Or, if youโre an Instant Pot fan, you have to try this Instant Pot Bologneseโฆ..itโs simple and amazing.
Donโt miss a recipe! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for fun family favorites and behind the scenes sneak peeks!
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Clam Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 ounces diced pancetta
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 28- ounce can Fire Roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 28- ounce can tomato puree
- 1 pound chopped fresh clams and juice OR canned clams and juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Equipment
- saucepan
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven, brown the pancetta over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the onions and celery to the drippings and cook over medium-high heat until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and tomato puree stirring to combine.
- Stir in the oregano and brown sugar and bring the sauce to a boil.
- Turn the heat to medium-low and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes and then stir in the clams. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes or until the clams are cooked.
- Serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread.