Lombardi’s Clam Linguine with Tomato, Basil, Lemon and Cortez Bottarga
At Lombardi’s Seafood, we pride ourselves on offering the freshest live clams and premium ingredients that elevate every dish. This Clam Linguine with Tomato, Basil, and Lemon is a flavorful and elegant recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh clams, combined with vibrant tomatoes and fragrant basil. Perfect for dinner parties or a special meal at home, this recipe brings the flavors of the coast straight to your table.
Ingredients:
- 20 live clams (Little Neck Clams from Lombardi’s), rinsed
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped small
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons panko, toasted
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest, chopped fine
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 pound linguine, cooked (8 ounces raw pasta = 1 pound cooked)
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 heaping tablespoons shaved bottarga (optional)
- Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparation:
- Sauté the Aromatics
Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, followed by the diced tomatoes and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Lightly season with salt and pepper. - Cook the Clams
Add the vegetable broth and whole clams to the tomato mixture. Cover the pan and cook the clams until they open, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open. - Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine toasted panko, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well and set aside. - Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked linguine to the pan with the clams and tomato sauce. Toss gently to combine. Add lemon juice and fresh basil, stirring to incorporate. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. - Plate and Garnish
Divide the pasta evenly among bowls, arranging the clams around the edges. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over each serving. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top and garnish with shaved bottarga (optional) and an additional squeeze of lemon juice.
Why Choose Lombardi’s?
Our live Little Neck Clams are hand-selected to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. Pair this dish with a crisp white wine for a truly delightful dining experience.