Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Clam Acqua Pazza is a classic Italian seafood dish that’s simple yet stunning. The fresh clams are cooked in a vibrant, aromatic broth that enhances their natural sweetness. With just a few ingredients, the dish delivers an incredible depth of flavor, thanks to the garlic, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a hint of chili pepper. Whether served with crusty bread to soak up the broth or as part of a larger seafood feast, this dish is sure to please. Plus, it’s quick and easy, taking just 35 minutes to prepare from start to finish!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 pounds fresh clams (littlenecks or Manila)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 red chili pepper (optional, sliced)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
1. Clean the Clams
- Rinse the clams under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Soak them in fresh water for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure they release any trapped sand.
2. Heat Oil
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté Garlic
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
4. Add Tomatoes
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften and begin to release their juices.
5. Deglaze the Pan
- Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Add Broth and Clams
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and gently add the cleaned clams, stirring carefully to combine.
7. Cover and Cook
- Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes until the clams open up. Discard any clams that remain closed, as they are not safe to eat.
8. Finish with Herbs
- Once the clams are cooked, stir in the chopped parsley and season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Plate the Dish
- Carefully spoon the clams and broth into shallow bowls. Make sure to include plenty of the delicious, flavorful broth for dipping or serving with crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Clam Acqua Pazza is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, but avoid cooking it for too long to prevent the clams from becoming tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen clams for this recipe?
Fresh clams are ideal for this dish, as they provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen clams, be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! If you like more heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
What can I serve with Clam Acqua Pazza?
Clam Acqua Pazza is typically served with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth, but it also pairs well with pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Clam Acqua Pazza is best enjoyed fresh, as the clams lose their texture and flavor after sitting for a while. However, you can prep the garlic, tomatoes, and broth ahead of time, and then just add the clams and cook when you’re ready to serve.
What other vegetables can I add to Shrimp Acqua Pazza?
You can add other vegetables like celery, carrots, or even okra for a different texture and flavor. Just sauté them with the onion and bell pepper.
Can I substitute the clams with another seafood?
Certainly! If you don’t have clams, you can substitute with squid, shrimp, or even fish. Just adjust the cooking times to match the seafood you use.
Conclusion
Clam Acqua Pazza is an easy-to-make, flavorful seafood dish that’s light yet indulgent. With its fresh clams, bright citrus notes, and rich broth, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and a hint of spice. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special gathering, Clam Acqua Pazza is sure to impress with its simplicity and bold flavors. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a bed of pasta for a meal that feels both light and luxurious!
Clam Acqua Pazza: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Seafood Lovers
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Clam Acqua Pazza, a simple Italian seafood dish featuring fresh clams cooked in a flavorful broth of garlic, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a hint of chili pepper, served with crusty bread or pasta.
Ingredients
2 pounds fresh clams (littlenecks or Manila)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup vegetable broth
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 red chili pepper (optional, sliced)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the clams under cold water and soak them in fresh water for 30 minutes to release any trapped sand.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Pour in vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the cleaned clams to the pot and gently stir to combine.
- Cover the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until the clams open. Discard any clams that remain closed.
- Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Spoon the clams and broth into shallow bowls, ensuring plenty of broth for dipping or serving with crusty bread.
Notes
If using frozen clams, thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili pepper or add cayenne pepper.
Pairs well with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the garlic, tomatoes, and broth ahead of time.
For variety, substitute clams with squid, shrimp, or fish, adjusting the cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmer and Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
