Linguine With Light Clam Sauce

Submitted by Abby Girl

"This is, by far, one of the best "light" recipes I have come across in all the years I have been cooking....I found this way back in the "80's and am still using this favorite. This extremely versatile recipe is on my "go to list" when I need something fast, easy and tasty! I make sure that I am always stocked with clams in the cupboard and cream cheese in my fridge/freezer. This recipe is also handy for cleaning out all those little "its and bits" of vegetables. Don't use too much mushrooms or it will give a "grey" appearance to the dish"

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 2 -5 ounces baby clams, drained reserving the juice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic, minced
• 1⁄4 teaspoon thyme
• 1 pinch hot pepper flakes (or as hot as you like)
• 1 zucchini, roughly chopped (asparagus, snap peas, green beans)
• 1 red pepper, roughly chopped
• 6 large mixed mushrooms, roughly chopped
• 125 g light cream cheese, cubed (8 poz)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 3⁄4 lb linguine
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

directions

1. In a large pot, cook the linguine, reserving some of the pasta water.
2. Drain the clams, reserving the liquid. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the onion, thyme, hot pepper flakes in 1/3 cup of the clam liquid over medium heat for about 3 - 5 minutes or until onion is cooked.
4. Add the other vegetables and cook until tender crisp. Add more clam liquid if necessary. Stir in cream cheese and melt.
5. Just before serving, add the clams, salt and pepper.
6. Combine the pasta, the clam sauce and the parmesan cheese. Add more clam liquid or pasta water if necessary.