Bucatini Alle Vongole

Date Night Dinner Series

I made a recent instagram story asking what you would like to see for this mini Date Night Series. I was quite surprised Spaghetti and Clams was the most requested. However you guys have amazing taste because this classic dish is such a treat.

Sourcing: Being from the midwest, sometimes clams can be quite difficult to come by. If i’m lucky I usually find them at Whole Foods, Marianos, or Angelo Caputos Fresh Market.

Frozen is a good secondary option as well.

Canned Clams are also a budget friendly alternative.

Prepping: Clams are very similar to Mussels. Scrub the outside of the shell, rinse under cold water. Grab a medium sized bowl with cold water and add a tablespoon of salt. Submerge the clams for 15 minutes. Strain and rinse (don’t forget to rinse).

Inspiration: This was one of the first dishes I posted on Tiktok (I have made a couple of changes since). And before anyone thinks that I am crazy for adding salami to a clams dish… the great Anthony Bourdain made a chorizo clam dish and let me tell you don’t underestimate the bold flavors.

Ingredients for 2

• 8 oz Bucatini 

• 1 Lb Little Neck Clams 

• 2 oz. Uncured Calabrese Salami cubed 

• 2 Anchovy Fillets

• 5 Garlic Cloves thinly sliced

• 2 Shallots thinly sliced 

• 1 Fresno Pepper diced 

• 1 Serano Pepper diced 

• 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes halved  

• 1 Tbsp Crushed Calabrian Chilis or Bomba d’Amore Chili Sauce¹ 

• 1 Tbsp Double Concentrated Tomato Paste 

• 1/2 Cup Dry White wine (I used Chardonnay)

• 1/4 Cup Clam Juice 

• 1/3 Cup Chopped Parsley

• 2 Tbsp Butter

• Olive oil  

• Zest of one lemon. 

• Handful of basil leaves

• Salt

How I made it:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

In a large skillet add olive oil and butter. Once melted add in cubed Calabrese salami and shallots. Cook until oil is a light red-orange color and shallots begin to soften (3-4 Minutes).

Add in anchovies, garlic, diced peppers and crushed Calabrian chilis, stir. Cook until fragrant (2-3 Minutes).

Add tomato paste, stir and cook until bright red turns to a deep rust color.

Add in Tomatoes, toss. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and break down.

Add in Clams, white wine, and clam juice.

Cover over medium heat for 5-7 Minutes. Periodically give the pan a few shakes. This helps the clams open up. Remove any clams that do not open.

Take out half of the clams to allow room to add cooked pasta.

Toss in a knob of butter and a ladle of pasta water. Toss until a sauce begins to form.

Finish off with the zest of one lemon, and chopped parsley.

Garnish with extra lemon zest, parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil.

Serve and enjoy.

Wine Pairing:
For this dish I personally paired it with a Cabernet Sauvignon from California. For a more traditional pairing I would suggest a crisp Italian Pinot Grigio or a Chianti².

1. https://www.worldmarket.com/p/delizie-spicy-love-bomb-chilies-547746.html

https://www.ninetypluscellars.com/products/lot-207-chianti-docg-italy-2021?_pos=1&_sid=dd12ce11b&_ss=r

2.