Clams Casino Spaghetti

Ingredients and Weight:

• Spaghetti: 1 pound (450g)
• Clams (littleneck or Manila), shelled and reserved liquor: 2 pounds (900g)
• Olive oil: 1/4 cup (60ml)
• Garlic, minced: 4 cloves
• Shallots, chopped: 2
• White wine: 1 cup (240ml)
• Butter: 1/2 cup (115g)
• Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g)
• Parmesan cheese, grated: 1/2 cup (50g)
• Fresh parsley, chopped: 1/4 cup (15g)
• Lemon wedges, for garnish

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty Level: 3

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add clams and reserved liquor to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until clams open, about 5 minutes. Remove clams and set aside.
4. Increase heat to high. Add white wine and reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
5. Stir in butter and allow it to melt. Add panko breadcrumbs and stir to combine.
6. Add reserved clams back to the skillet and stir to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Drain spaghetti and add it to the skillet. Toss to combine.
9. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 550 per serving (1 cup)
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful
• Seafood-forward with a briny, clammy taste
• Creamy and luscious sauce
• Textured with crispy breadcrumbs
• Visually appealing with vibrant colors

User Comments:

• "The clams were perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor."
• "The sauce was divine - I could have eaten it by itself!"
• "The panko breadcrumbs added an unexpected crunch that elevated the dish."
• "The combination of seafood and pasta was a winning combination."
• "It's a perfect dish for a special occasion or a cozy dinner."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Always discard any clams that do not open during cooking.
• If you can't find shelled clams, you can use unshelled clams and steam them open before removing the shells.
• Serve the spaghetti with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for those who enjoy additional flavor.