Old Spaghetti Factory's Clam Sauce

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 1 batch

Ingredients

• 3  ounces butter
• 2  cloves garlic, chopped fine
• 1⁄2 onion, chopped fine
• 3  stalks celery, chopped fine
• 3  tablespoons flour
• 2 (8 ounce) cans  chopped clams, with juice
• 1  quart half-and-half
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme

Directions

1. Combine first four ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Saute over medium-low heat until vegetables are tender but not brown.
3. Add flour and mix to make a roux.
4. In another saucepan, combine the juice from the clams, half and half, salt, white pepper, and thyme; heat until just below boiling.
5. Add the half and half mixture and the clam meat to the roux.
6. Stir until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve over your favorite buttered spaghetti noodles with generous portions of Parmesan cheese.