LINGUINE WITH STEAMED COCKLES IN SAFFRON-TARRAGON SAUCE

Linguine with Steamed Cockles in Saffron-Tarragon Sauce image

Time 20m

Yield Makes 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 ounces linguine
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1/4 cup chopped shallots
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon, divided
1/4 teaspoon (scant) saffron threads
2 pounds cockles or small Manila clams, scrubbed
2 tablespoons whipping cream

Steps:

Cook linguine in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain.
Meanwhile, melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add wine, 1 tablespoon tarragon, and saffron. Increase heat to high; bring to boil. Add cockles; cover and cook until cockles open, about 3 minutes. Use tongs to transfer cockles to bowl (discard any that do not open). Stir cream into sauce in skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Add pasta to skillet; toss. Divide pasta and sauce between 2 flat bowls and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon tarragon. Top with cockles and serve.