PASTA WITH CLAM SAUCE

PASTA WITH CLAM SAUCE image

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (16 ounce) package linguine or spaghetti pasta
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 shallot, finely chopped (can substitute w/ ½ onion)
¼ cup finely chopped basil, or 1 tbsp dried basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams
1 cup milk or cream
½ cup cream cheese
¼ cup grated parmigiano-reggiano
2 tablespoons white wine
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

1 Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or as directed on package; drain. 2 Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute shallot and garlic until soft and translucent. Add chopped basil and wine and bring to boil. Reduce heat and slowly add flour, stirring out lumps. Then add clams (with juice) and gradually blend in the milk, cream cheese, and grated cheese. Cook, stirring, for 5-10 minutes, or until sauce thickens. Add parsley, salt and pepper. Spoon over cooked pasta.