Recipe: Pasta Aglio e Olio with Clams

I love being in the kitchen, but sometimes I only have time for a quick 20 minute recipe, especially during the week. Who's with me?!

This Pasta Aglio e Olio with clams is easy to throw together, and tastes great, especially with some crusty bread. If you have the time to steam fresh clams, go for it, but if not, the frozen clam meat works just as well in a pinch!

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup clam meat (check your local seafood store for the frozen option)

2. 5-6 cloves of garlic, chopped

3. 1/2 cup olive oil, plus another tablespoon for clams

4. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

5. Spaghetti or pasta of your choice

6. 1/4 cup starchy pasta water

Method:

1. Boil a pot of spaghetti until noodles are al dente

2. While noodles are cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan, and add clams to slowly cook

3. In a separate, large pan, saute garlic in half a cup of olive oil, and add red pepper flakes; about 3 minutes. Make sure the garlic doesn't burn!

4. Drain you noodles and add them to the pan with the olive oil/garlic sauce, along with 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

5. Toss vigorously with tongs and top with cooked clams.

6. If you're like me and love cheese, add a heaping amount of parm, as well as some parsley for garnish.