Last Updated on October 19, 2023
Interested in making authentic Cedar Key Clam Linguine? We have you covered!
After a road trip to Cedar Key, home to a thriving aquaculture clam business, we just had to make this delicious linguine that every family will love.
Enjoy the taste of the fresh Florida clams in our Cedar Key Clam Linguine recipe.
The Cedar Key Aquaculture Farms are the largest in the state of Florida. They grow their clams in “certified clean Florida waters.”
They are sweet and super delicious. Learn more about the city of Cedar Key and its delicious clams.
Florida clams are available in most seafood markets, so enjoy!
Step-by-Step Recipe
Cedar Key Clam Linguine
Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- 1 large yellow onion (2 cups)
- 1 large red bell pepper (1½ cups)
- 6 garlic cloves
- ½ cup of white wine
- Dried lemon pepper
- Dried oregano
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 3 dozen fresh clams* (recommend 8-10 per person)
- 4 cans of minced clams (we prefer Snow’s in clam juice)
- 1 lb. package of linguine pasta
- ⅓ cup grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
Instructions
- Chop onion, pepper into small pieces. Mince garlic (chop into tiny pieces).
- In a large saute pan, heat (medium heat) the olive oil, saute onion and pepper and soften for 10 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes (don’t let the garlic burn).
- Add Lemon Pepper, Oregano, fresh green parsley, and white wine (that you would drink). Cook for 5-10 minutes to absorb the wine.
- Add 4 cans of minced clams AND the juice.
- Bring mixture to a boil and once it’s at a boil – lower to medium heat – do not cover with a lid. Reduce the original sauce by ½ to create a more concentrated flavor. It will take around 30 minutes.
- Next, separately, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil for linguine pasta, add 2 Tbsp salt. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes or until desired tenderness. Remove from heat and drain in a colander.
- Next, in a colander, rinse/scrub the clams.
- After the clam mixture is reduced -almost to ½ – add fresh clams into the sauce. Keep cooking at medium heat with the lid on. The clams will open gradually – around 20 minutes. Throw away any clams that do not open.
- Add the final 1 Tbsp. Parsley; Add a few pinches of red pepper flakes, salt to taste.
- After the pasta is drained, place on each plate.
- Scoop the fresh clam sauce with clams and pour over the pasta.
- Place the fresh Parmesan on the table to let everyone serve themselves.
- Place several bowls on the table for discarding clamshells.
- You might want to serve with a baguette of bread on the side and a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Notes
You can also substitute clams for shrimp!
Any other small clams can be substituted if you cannot find Cedar Key clams.
Boil the linguine.
Looking for more delicious Florida recipes that use clams?
Check out our recipe for Authentic Minorcan Clam Chowder!
53rd Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival
Learn more about this festival at 17 Top Florida Events in October 2023 and Cedar Key Lions Club.
A Cedar Key Getaway
Cedar Key bounced back from the wrath of Hurricane Idalia and is back in business. If you are looking for an Old Florida getaway, Cedar Key should be top on your list.
Learn more about this incredible destination at Cedar Key in 2023 – A Small, Authentic, Old Florida City.
Hi,
At what restaurant can I get this at in Cedar Key?
Hi! This is our recipe. As far as restaurants having this exact recipe, we’re not sure. But, we can tell you we love Tony’s. You can read a little bit about Tony’s in our Cedar Key article: https://authenticflorida.com/old-florida-charm-authentic-cedar-key/ … We’ve also heard Island Room Restaurant & Sand Bar has great pasta with clams. Next time we’re in Cedar Key, we will have to do some taste-testing. ; )