If you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood pasta at home, this Clams Casino Pasta recipe is your go-to! Inspired by the classic Clams Casino appetizer, this pasta combines tender clams, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and a creamy, flavorful sauce—ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or a special occasion in US kitchens.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Made in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Restaurant-Style: Gourmet flavors without complicated steps.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy pasta with bacon and clams.
- Versatile: Serve over linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb fresh clams (littleneck or cherrystone)
- 4 slices bacon (diced)
- 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Cook Bacon & Clams: In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Add clams, garlic, and bell pepper, sauté 2–3 minutes. Pour in wine, cover, and cook until clams open. Discard any unopened clams.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat, add butter, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
- Combine Pasta & Clams: Toss pasta into the skillet with clams and sauce. Mix in bacon and parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Serve: Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan. Serve hot with a wedge of lemon.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
- Works well with white wine or sparkling water.
- Ideal for meal prep—store in airtight containers for 2 days.
Final Thoughts
This Clams Casino Pasta recipe brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort. Crispy bacon, tender clams, and a creamy, garlicky sauce make it a family favorite and a perfect weeknight dinner.