Name: Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz Barilla® Linguine; 6.3 oz Barilla® Traditional Basil Pesto; 4 tbsp butter; 1 small shallot; ¼ cup red bell pepper; 4 garlic cloves; 1 cup White Wine; 6.5 oz clams; ¾ cup chicken broth; 16 oz clams in shell; 1 lb Medium Shrimp; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves; 2 tbsp parmesan cheese

Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with this scintillating Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine recipe. This dish beautifully marries the briny flavor of clams and shrimp with aromatic basil pesto, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Photos of Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine Recipe

When shopping for ingredients, keep an eye out for the clams and shrimp. Freshness is absolutely key for these; ensure that the clams’ shells are tightly shut and the shrimp are firm and have a bright color. Basil pesto can be found in the pasta sauce aisle. For an even fresher taste, you can make your own at home.

Ingredients for Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine

Linguine: Linguine is a long, flat pasta that is perfect for this recipe; it beautifully catches the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Basil Pesto: This aromatic sauce gives our pasta its distinctive taste.

Butter: Adds richness and depth to our sauce.

Shallot: Shallots give a very mild and slightly sweet flavor.

Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and slight sweetness.

Garlic: Garlic provides a robust flavor.

White wine: White wine is used to deglaze the pan, adding a rich, tangy flavor.

Clams: Brings the taste of the sea to our dish.

Chicken broth: Adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.

Shrimp: Shrimp adds a sweet, delicate flavor and a luscious texture.

Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a refreshing touch.

Parmesan cheese: Parmesan lends a nutty, salty element to the dish.

One reader, Blake Tan says:

This pesto clams and shrimp linguine recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are exquisite and the dish is so easy to make. The combination of pesto, clams, and shrimp creates a delightful taste that will leave you craving for more. It's a must-try for any seafood lover!

Blake Tan

Techniques Required for Making Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine

How to cook linguine: Boil the linguine in lightly salted water for about 11 minutes until tender yet firm to the bite, then drain.

How to prepare the clam and shrimp sauce: Sauté shallot and bell pepper in butter, then add garlic and white wine. Stir in canned clams, clam juice, and chicken broth. Arrange fresh clams on the sauce and simmer until the shells open. Discard unopened clams. Stir in basil pesto and shrimp, heating through until the shrimp are bright pink and opaque. Remove from heat and stir in butter and chopped basil.

How to serve: Distribute the linguine among serving bowls, then spoon the clams, shrimp, and sauce over the pasta. Top with shaved parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.

How To Make Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine

Loaded with shrimp and clams, this linguine recipe is every seafood lover’s dream! Enjoy a savory pasta dish that’s made in less than 30 minutes.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

16ozBarilla® Linguine,(1 box)
6.3ozBarilla® Traditional Basil Pesto,(1 jar)
4tbspbutter,divided
1small shallot,minced
¼cupred bell pepper,minced
4garlic cloves,minced
1cupwhite wine
6.5ozclams,(1 can), drained with juice reserved, chopped
¾cupchicken broth
16ozclams in shell,(1 package), scrubbed
1lbmedium shrimp,peeled, deveined, uncooked
¼cupfresh basil leaves,plus more for garnish, chopped
2tbspparmesan cheese,shaved

Instructions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine at a boil for about 11 minutes until tender yet firm to the bite, then drain.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and bell pepper.
Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened; stir in garlic. Add the white wine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Stir in the canned clams, ½ of the reserved clam juice, and chicken broth. Arrange the fresh clams on the sauce. Bring to a low simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the clam shells open. Discard the clams that do not open.
Stir in the basil pesto and shrimp. Heat through for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp are bright pink and opaque. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and chopped basil.
Distribute the linguine among serving bowls, then spoon the clams, shrimp, and sauce over the pasta.
Top with shaved Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 493.10kcal
Fat: 15.88g
Saturated Fat: 5.50g
Trans Fat: 0.25g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.09g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.93g
Carbohydrates: 50.73g
Fiber: 2.49g
Sugar: 2.78g
Protein: 29.69g
Cholesterol: 114.64mg
Sodium: 1094.24mg
Calcium: 149.62mg
Potassium: 310.28mg
Iron: 2.99mg
Vitamin A: 165.27µg
Vitamin C: 6.99mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine

When cooking the clams, it's crucial to discard any that do not open after being cooked. These are likely dead before cooking and can cause food poisoning. Also, when adding the shrimp, ensure not to overcook them as they can quickly become rubbery. They are perfectly cooked when they turn a bright pink color and are no longer translucent.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Seafood Pasta

Prep ahead: Prepare the pesto and chop the vegetables in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Multitask: While the linguine is boiling, start preparing the sauce to save time.

Use frozen seafood: Consider using frozen shrimp and clams to skip the cleaning and shelling process.

Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils in an orderly manner before starting to cook for efficient workflow.

Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking cleanup time.

Substitute Ingredients For Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine Recipe

barilla® linguine - Substitute with spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash is a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta, adding a healthy twist to the dish.
barilla® traditional basil pesto - Substitute with homemade basil pesto: Making your own pesto allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your preference.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
shallot - Substitute with onion: Onions can provide a similar mild, sweet flavor to the dish as shallots.
red bell pepper - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes can add a sweet and tangy flavor, complementing the seafood in the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor.
white wine - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: Broth can add depth of flavor to the dish without the use of alcohol.
clams - Substitute with mussels: Mussels can be used as a substitute for clams, offering a similar briny flavor and texture.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken broth, adding savory notes to the dish.
clams in shell - Substitute with scallops: Scallops can provide a delicate and sweet flavor, complementing the shrimp in the dish.
medium shrimp - Substitute with prawns: Prawns can be used as a substitute for shrimp, offering a similar taste and texture.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino romano cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan, offering a sharp and salty flavor.

Presenting Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine

Elevate the pasta: Gently twirl the linguine into a nest-like shape using tongs for an elegant presentation on the plate.
Garnish with fresh basil: Sprinkle delicate, whole basil leaves over the dish to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh aroma.
Arrange the clams and shrimp: Artfully place the clams and shrimp on top of the pasta, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a visually appealing dish.
Drizzle with pesto: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle the pesto in a zigzag pattern over the pasta, adding a touch of finesse to the presentation.
Sprinkle with parmesan: Grate parmesan cheese over the dish using a fine grater, allowing it to delicately fall on the pasta for a sophisticated finish.
Serve in a wide-rimmed bowl: Present the dish in a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the linguine, clams, and shrimp.

Essential Tools for Making Seafood Linguine

Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the linguine.
Skillet: A skillet is used for sautéing the shallot and bell pepper and for preparing the sauce.
Colander: A colander is used for draining the cooked linguine.
Saucepan: A saucepan is used for cooking the clam and shrimp sauce.
Tongs: Tongs are useful for handling the clams and shrimp while cooking.
Serving bowls: Serving bowls are used for serving the linguine with the pesto clams and shrimp.

Storing and Freezing Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine

Allow the pesto clams and shrimp linguine to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the pasta from becoming soggy and the sauce from separating.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled pasta dish into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you plan to freeze the linguine, it's best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. This will help maintain the texture of the pasta when reheated.
To freeze the sauce, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and contents. The sauce can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen pesto clams and shrimp sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Cook fresh linguine according to the package instructions, then toss it with the reheated sauce.
It's not recommended to freeze the pasta together with the sauce, as the texture of the linguine may become mushy when thawed and reheated.
If you have any leftover clams in the shell, remove them from the sauce before storing or freezing. Reheat them separately in a pan with a little bit of the sauce until they are heated through.

How to Reheat Leftover Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine

Reheat the leftover pesto clams and shrimp linguine in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to help loosen up the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir gently and continuously until the dish is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
For a quicker reheating method, transfer the leftover linguine to a microwave-safe dish. Add a few tablespoons of water, chicken broth, or white wine to the dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the pasta. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the dish is evenly heated.
If you have leftover clams in their shells, remove them from the pasta before reheating. Reheat the linguine and shrimp using one of the above methods, then add the clams to the dish during the last minute of reheating to warm them through without overcooking.
To maintain the vibrant color and flavor of the basil pesto, consider adding a fresh dollop of pesto to the reheated pasta. This will help revive the flavors and give the dish a fresh taste.
If the reheated pesto clams and shrimp linguine appears dry or thick, add a small amount of pasta water, chicken broth, or white wine to help loosen the sauce and create a silkier texture. Be sure to add the liquid gradually to avoid making the dish too watery.

Random Fact About Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine

Pesto clams and shrimp linguine is a classic Italian dish that combines the flavors of the sea with the richness of pesto. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

Is Making Seafood Linguine at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this pesto clams and shrimp linguine recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. While clams and shrimp can be on the pricier side, the use of basil pesto and linguine can balance the overall cost. Additionally, the recipe's use of white wine and parmesan cheese may add to the cost. Considering the quality and quantity of ingredients, this recipe can be rated a 7/10 for taste and creativity. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people may range from $30 to $40, depending on the availability and quality of ingredients.

Is This Seafood Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This pesto clams and shrimp linguine recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:

The dish is high in calories due to the pasta, butter, and cheese
Clams and shrimp are good sources of protein, but they are also high in cholesterol
The recipe uses a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat
White wine adds extra calories and sugar to the dish
The recipe lacks vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal

However, there are some positive aspects to this recipe:

Clams and shrimp are low in calories and fat compared to other protein sources
The dish incorporates some vegetables, such as shallots, bell peppers, and garlic
Basil pesto provides a good source of healthy fats from olive oil and nuts

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of regular linguine to increase fiber intake
Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with olive oil
Include more vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini, to increase nutrient density
Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content
Opt for a lighter pesto sauce made with less oil and more herbs
Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese or use a low-fat alternative
Serve smaller portions and pair the dish with a side salad for a more balanced meal

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of this pesto clams and shrimp linguine while also making it a healthier choice.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Seafood Linguine Recipe

This recipe for pesto clams and shrimp linguine is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of basil pesto adds a fresh and aromatic element to the dish, complementing the briny sweetness of the clams and shrimp. The addition of white wine and chicken broth creates a flavorful base, while the linguine provides a satisfying foundation. The dish is well-balanced and visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner. The incorporation of fresh basil and Parmesan cheese adds a final touch of elegance. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful culinary experience that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Slices of crusty bread brushed with garlic-infused butter and toasted to golden perfection.

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing, topped with crunchy croutons and shaved parmesan cheese.

Grilled Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears grilled to tender perfection and drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi, tossed in a light citrus dressing.

Tiramisu: Layers of delicate ladyfingers soaked in espresso and layered with a rich mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa powder.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Seafood Linguine

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: This creamy and indulgent pasta dish is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken and rich alfredo sauce will leave you wanting more.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Add a tropical twist to your chicken dinner with this flavorful mango salsa. The sweet and tangy salsa pairs perfectly with juicy grilled chicken for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This colorful and nutritious salad is packed with roasted vegetables and hearty quinoa. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Seafood Linguine

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with these crispy coconut shrimp. Each bite is a crunchy, succulent delight, with a hint of sweetness from the coconut coating. A surefire way to impress your guests.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful and refreshing treat. It's a balance of sweet and tangy flavors in every spoonful.

Why trust this Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience with its fresh clams and succulent shrimp combined with the rich flavors of basil pesto and parmesan cheese. The use of white wine and chicken broth infuses depth into the dish, while the aromatic blend of shallots, garlic, and bell peppers adds a harmonious balance. The meticulous cooking process ensures that the linguine is perfectly al dente, providing a satisfying texture. With the careful selection of ingredients and precise instructions, this recipe is a testament to its reliability and trustworthiness.

Ready to try your hand at this Pesto Clams and Shrimp Linguine recipe? Share your experience and any tips you discover in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for white wine in this recipe?

You can substitute the white wine with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic option. The broth will add flavor and depth to the dish without the use of wine.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne if you prefer. The sauce and seafood will complement various pasta shapes.

How do I know if the clams are safe to eat?

Discard any clams that do not open after cooking. This ensures that you only consume fresh and safe-to-eat clams.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the seafood just before serving to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using a dairy-free pesto and replacing the butter with a non-dairy alternative, such as olive oil or margarine.