Spaghetti alle Vongole, or as we call it “Bongore” (ボンゴレ), is an Italian clam pasta dish which is very popular in Japan. You can easily recreate this dish at your home with just a few simple ingredients!
Spaghetti alle Vongole (ボンゴレスパゲッティ , ボンゴレビアンコ) is an Italian classic Clam Pasta dish. It’s a light yet flavorful pasta infused with garlic, briny clams, white wine, and chili flakes.
Clam Pasta In Japan
You may wonder why I’m sharing an Italian recipe as I mostly share Japanese recipes here on my blog. The reason is quite simple. Although this dish is an Italian classic, it’s also one of the well-known and most popular pasta dishes Japanese people enjoy at Italian or pasta restaurants (パスタ屋さん), along with Spaghetti Bolognaise (ボロネーゼ), Carbonala (カルボナーラ), and Aglio olio e peperoncino (ペペロンチーノ).
If you have visited Japan, you’ve seen firsthand how popular Italian cuisine is over there, especially pasta! Several Italian readers who had visited Japan told me that they feel Japan has some of the best Italian restaurants outside of Italy.
De-Grit Clams
Getting the sand out of the clams is one of the most important parts for this recipe. No one wants to eat gritty clams and ruin the meal, right?
My salt water method is a very common technique in Japan. I thought it’s a universal method until someone told me Americans use cornmeal (Interesting! How do you de-grit clams in your country?). Whatever method you use, make sure to do this process right.
If you want to follow my method, you can find the tutorial here. It’s a slightly lengthy process, but it’s easy to follow and you will be pleasantly surprised how well your clams purges the sands with this method!
Wine Pairing with Clam Pasta
To match with clam pasta’s spicy kick from red chili pepper, we’ve paired it with Pfendler Chardonnay. Honestly, it’s a small miracle that I was actually able to write my thoughts on this wine as I almost finished the entire bottle without even realizing it. The Pfendler 2011 Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. I would describe its character similar to sweet nectar, almost like a dessert wine.
As you first sip this wine, there is a burst of buttery peach flavor slowly coating your tongue. Slowly as the wine passes your mouth, more flavors come to light, exposing a bit of spice, the feeling a pear dancing your palate, and finishing notes are creamy and rich. The wine leaves your mouth very clean and leaving behind a hint fruity note. It makes you want to take one more sip as your mind tries to figure out exactly what flavors you’ve been tasting. I highly recommend this wine if you enjoy complex chardonnay with a beautiful finish.
Lastly, as a note Chardonnay should never be served too cold. You want to be able to taste great white wine and not drink “cold wine” which mask the flavors.
I hope you enjoyed my Clam Pasta recipe! If you make this recipe, snap a picture and hashtag it #JustOneCookbook. I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter! Thank you so much for reading and trying the recipes!
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- 1 lb manila clams (1 lb = 454g) (See Step 1 to de-grit)
- ½ lb spaghetti (½ lb = 227g)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 red chilies
- ½ cup dry white wine (½ cup = 120 ml)
- 1 sprig parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper
- salt (kosher or sea salt; use half if using table salt)
Gather all the ingredients.
- De-grit clams (here’s how to do it). Start this process 4 hours prior to cooking (or at least 1.5 hour before).
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, stirring constantly in the beginning to prevent it from sticking together. Cook until al dente. Drain pasta into a colander.
- Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan heat the olive oil over medium heat. When it’s hot, add garlic and red chili pepper. Reduce heat to medium low and sauté until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the clams and wine and increase the heat to medium. Quickly cover and steam for 5 minutes or until all the clams have opened.
- Discard the clams that didn’t open. Finely chop parsley and add some of it, then season with pepper. Transfer the clams to a plate.
- Taste the sauce and season with pepper and salt (clams are already salty so you probably don't need to add too much salt).
- Add the pasta and toss until pasta is coated with the sauce.
Remove from the heat and place pasta on a serving plate and put clams on top. Sprinkle some parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe by Namiko Chen of Just One Cookbook. All images and content on this site are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without my permission. If you’d like to share this recipe on your site, please re-write the recipe in your own words and link to this post as the original source. Thank you.
Disclaimer: We received no compensation for the wine review. We received Pfendler Chardonnay from Jarvis Communications, free of charge to use in exchange for an honest review.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on Jun 5, 2013.
Cooked like a true Italian 😉
That looks delicious! Lovely clicks by the way.
Cheers,
Rosa
I love quick dishes, Nami! We all need them! 🙂 And this looks like the ultimate summer time meal. Beautiful!!!
So simple yet very delicious. This is my kind of seafood dish. That is such a beautiful shot of the plating, Nami. 🙂
You know, I’m not a fan of clams but they way you presented this dish really makes me want to reach right over, grab a fork and have a few bites. Now that’s great photography. 🙂
I love clams and this dish … either with or without tomatoes. One day I hope to make it with live clams in the shell like yours but so far, I’ve only done it with the canned ones. 🙁
This is one of our favorite pasta dishes; I’m happy to see we cook it almost the exact same way – I use red pepper flakes instead for a shortcut. : ) I remember being amazed by how truly delicious Italian food and, particularly, pasta is in Japan. It made a big impression on us.
I made something very very similar last weekend. It’s so exciting, I kind of feel like we were eating together, hahaha.
Clam pasta is totally good stuff! And your version looks superb. Great sounding wine pairing, too. Thanks to both of you!
Looks delicious…one of my favorites and so fast to prepare.
We love quick pasta meals but don’t have them often. I’m also going to be on the lookout for this wine.
I make clam pasta a lot. It’s simple and simply perfect. GREG
When my husband and I went on our honeymoon to Japan, we were amazed by how many Italian restaurants we saw. I had no idea Italian food was so popular there until then. This looks really delicious, must try!
This is just stunning dish, Nami! I know my boys would be all over it…perfect summer recipe! Also great wine review… wishing you both wonderful day!
I didn’t realize that about Italian food there! Wish this was my dinner!
Oh yeah, that’s gorgeous!
This is surely a delightful recipe, Nami !
Loved ur picture of boiling noodles, looking artistic !
Have a great day !
Regards, Sonia
I love spaghetti alle vongole! You and Liren are on the same wavelength with your posts today :).
Such beautiful photos and mouth-watering pasta, Nami! This chardonnay seems to pair very well with the pasta and clams. A mangiare!!!!!
Mmh, during the time we lived in Italy this was my favorite dish at a little trattoria in the center of Rome. But homemade it’s even so much better.
This pasta is at my to do list for this weekend 🙂
Nami, as usual the pictures are superb.
Clam, pasta, its the perfect compilation of seafood and pasta. I love cooking with clams and i think- no I know- I would really enjoy this simple but delicious sauce
What a beautiful looking spaghetti. That’s a wonderful looking pasta that would be a delicious family meal. Photographing pasta isn’t easy and you’ve managed wonderful images xx
Never knew Japanese love indulging in Italian cuisine. So fun! This looks like something I want to try soon. Have never ventured into clams before.
Thanks to Shen for his thorough review on wine. A great wealth of info!
Uhuh! Am glad I am not the only one who has difficulty in accessing fresh seafood and have to admit I too have had to go ‘third-class’ and use tinned clams! Thank God now I can go second-class as frozen on shell has at last arrived in our local supermarket [yes, well!!]. But I have made the same recipe with other seafood I have been brought and it is a simple but formidably tasty dish!!!
Thanks Eha for your kind comment. I wish I can cook this clam pasta for you! 🙂
Nami, I really really really love clams with pasta. In fact clams on it’s own, sauteed with a little garlic, dried chilli, ginger, lemongrass, mirin and salt makes me the happiest human on earth. We just had it that way 2 night ago. Would have been incredible with pasta. There’s this Japanese Italian food place near my house and they do really do good pastas.
Wooooo! Italian cuisine for Nami… Pasta con le vongole is my favorite dish, and try it with linguine instead of spaghetti, even better (if it’s possible)
Hugs!
I know this would taste really good and rich, I do them all the time.
Love this recipe
What a flavourful pasta dish with the clams and white wine!
Japanese food – check
American food – check
Italian food – check
Amusing husband reviewing wine – check
what cuisine is next? 🙂
This is such a pretty dish.
Hi,
Spaghetti alle Congolese in white (no tomato sauce, there is a red version) is my absolute favorite dish and when I am in Italy I always ask my parents to prepare it… It is so good! The recipe and procedure you wrote is perfect, exactly as we prepare this dish in Italy… nice to know you like Italian food in Japan. Unfortunately in Sweden is very difficult to find vongole and if you find them they are not so fresh and usually very expensive, hat is why I do not make this pasta dish so often but wait to go to Italy to eat it.
Ciao
You’re so right Nami! The first time I tried spaghetti alla vongole was in Japan! It’s everywhere there and I love it 😀
This is my father’s favorite pasta dish and he always orders it when visiting our neighborhood country. Beautifully made pasta Nami!
I always told everyone that I had the best Italian food in Japan (before the trip to Italy). The pasta looks scrumptious. Great photos, Nami.
I haven’t had pasta in such a long time!!! I’m avoiding it, of course, but clams and pasta are one of my favorite pasta dishes. Drool-worthy, Nami!!!
Oh my! I find everything about clam-pasta post is SEXY. Hands-down SEXY 🙂
Thanks for the recipe. I’m tremendously inspired to try it on coming Saturday night.
This looks fancy and delicious! I love Japanese food and although their food tastes different than Italians but knowing that both countries are famous for good food it’s only natural for them to appreciate and enjoy each others dishes.
It looks like pasta alle vongole indeed! Clams are such ugly – though delicious – creatures… I don’t know how you have managed to make them look so beautiful and so appetising (even though I like them, I thought the aesthetics is not their strong side). The Japanese seem to have a huge passion for Italian cuisine so I can well believe Japanese restaurants are great. I don’t think I will ever have a chance to taste Italian cuisine in Japan, maybe if I live there one day 😉 I crave so much Japanese delightful dishes that I couldn’t think of any other cuisine there.
I alway go for the quick italian recipes especially the psta dishes when no time have in hands, they also fit for summer times when kids are arround and no time to cook. Such a pretty dish as always, thank you Nami.
I seem to need the quick and easy recipes every single day! Thanks for sharing your wonderful version of this classic…so beautiful, my friend!
Well that was news to me that Italian was so popular in Japan, but after all there are Italian restaurants everywhere in the world I guess. I do enjoy this dish and your looks beautiful, especially with the shell in the dish. The wine sounds lovely.
I absolutely LOVE clams and this pasta dish looks divine! You captured this dish so beautifully that I just want to reach in and eat some of those clams. YUM!
Clams, clams, clams – I love you so! Especially when they are prepared like on these photos! Pinned!
we love pasta with simple and light sauces!! This looks divine!!! Need to make this soon!
This is my sister’s favorite! Can’t wait to make it for her.
Oh WOW!! What a mouthwatering image!!!
I love everything about this post, the pic, the mussels and the recipe, although I have never cooked mussels before, I will have to try!
So funny, I would never think of Italian food as being popular in Japan, but this is one of my husband’s favorite dishes and we’re of Chinese heritage. I think it might be the natural umami in clams.
Oh yes, this pasta looks so fresh …I would love it very much, not so into the creamy type:)
Thanks Jeannie! 🙂
Oh, this looks so good! I feel that it will be a family fave–especially if it can be made in under half an hour! Thank your husband for the great wine review, too!
You’re welcome! Thank you for your support and kind comments all the time! xo
I never knew Italian food was so popular in Japan… that’s very cool. This looks like a fantastic dish and the wine sounds yummy. I am immediately attracted to the peach flavor …. Mmmmm!!
PS.. I actually made a Japanese curry recently thanks to you. I am going to post it on my blog soon. 🙂
I also like to cook pasta with clams, usually I like Thai style with a lot of basil leaves..Your version also sound yummy too.
I love spaghetti alle vongole and live in Italy but had no idea it was so popular in Japan!
You and Liren were on the same wavelength and posted one of my favorite pasta dishes. If I ever get a chance to visit Japan I’ll be sure to try a recommended Italian restaurant. I have no doubt that I’ll be wowed.
Your bowl of spaghetti alle vongole looks so inviting and comforting–now I’ll have to whip up a batch (and find that wine!).
Have a great weekend! (and love the colored board!)
Have never tried clams and I am quite intrigued. The recipe sounds delicious. May be I will try it with prawns…perhaps.
Clam pasta reminds me of holidays 🙂 I am a big fan of Italian pasta, and your presentation is fantastic! I am hungry now 🙂
What an elegant dinner! Make me think of my time in New England! 😀
Delicious looking as always! I’ve never tried clams with pasta, but it looks so simple, I might just have to give it a try!
A fantastic pasta dish for a busy week, Nami. I’ve been cooking mine with sun dried tomatoes, so it’s time to indulge in some seafood fare. The Italians are right:) The Italian restaurants/ cafes in Japan are definitely one of the things to explore in Japan. I remember the coffee and pastries are incredible too! Hope you have a nice weekend ahead
I love clam pasta and make them whenever I get hold of the fresh clams. Splashing a good quality of wine is a must. Thanks for your lovely recipe and the picture. It is 7am here and I wouldn’t mind to have this bowl of pasta for a breakfast if I could.
One of my favorites ways to eat pasta.
Beautiful pictures.
Have a nice weekend, Nami.
Vero
実は今晩これだったのよ。夫が作ったのだけど、すごく似たレシピです。砂抜きの仕方も近い！
写真はなみちゃんの方が断然上手なんだけど、来週これをポストしようと思ってるのよ。シンクロしてるね。あさり大好き！
明美さん、読むの楽しみにしてますね！よい週末を！！
いつも素敵な料理のレシピと写真どうもありがとうございます。
Konnichi wa Nami-san. Great little Italiano dish with superb Japanese plating and attention to detail… and thanks to the hubby for an awesome wine pairing and all under 30minutes. I am loving that…Ja mata, BAM
I had no idea that Italian food is so popular in Japan, once again I learn something from your blog 🙂 This clam dish looks great, clams and mussels are one of my favorites.
I like it even more with a lil bit of heavy cream and dropped some mascarpone(my personal touch)
Yum! I love clams and pasta, and your photos are just stunning Nami!
It’s been since January and after what happened to my parents since I have been on the computer much and haven’t been blogging. I thought I should try to come back and I will still include them in many post like I always have. All the while I did enjoy checking in once in awhile to see what you’ve been up to, thanks for that! 🙂
This is exactly how I make my clam pasta! There is no other better way, and it’s always been a reliable way to cook a quick week night meal! I love this dish and it’s one of my favourite in the whole wide world! Reminds me of being on a beach in Italy!
Oh, I love clams!!! If I see a dish with clams in it, I will most likely order it. This looks great!
This is one incredibly beautiful dish! And so easy to make. I love it!
I absolutely LOVE clams! I’ve never actually made it at home but I think that’s about to change VERY soon!
Yum, yum and yum!!
Thanks Jenny! Hope all is well with you! 🙂
I think that pasta is very common around the world, and also one of the favorite dish for everybody.
Pasta with seafood could be the best, for me is…!!!
This is such an easy and comforting dish you have shared. Thanks so much. I have to make this . My daughter loves clams.
I think Italian food is loved and enjoyed all over the world! You’ve outdone yourself with this beautiful plate of clams in pasta, I have to say this is one of my favorites that I order in an Italian restaurant when I see it on the menu 🙂
Dear Nami,
I love cooking vongole for lunch in the summer weekends and I find a few slithers of anchovies in its EVOO adds some depth and complexity of flavours too. And I think an oaky, buttery chardy is a great pairing too.
Nami, fabulous photography, makes me feel like I am at a seaside resort having one unforgettable lunch! I love shaghetti alle vongole and always think that we should definitely eat it more often! Simply delicious, Nami!
Looks delicious this clam pasta…and yes a touch of red pepper sounds great.
Mmmm…I love clams! This is a dish I frequently order when visiting Italian restaurants. It looks delicious and perfectly executed, Nami! Your family is so lucky to have a great chef in the house. =)
Hi Candice! Thanks for your sweet words. I am hoping that I teach now and they will cook for me one day. 😀 Heh heh heh. Clam pasta is a easiest pasta! Hope you will try it at home! 🙂
Hi Nami please don’t apologise for not visitng my blog for a while because I too have been busy and haven’t visited for a while 🙂 Good to see you sharing a warm and comforting pasta dish! It’s super cold in Melbourne right now so I’d love to dig into a bowl of this clam pasta! 🙂 Hope you’ve been well! xox
Thanks for the great recipe! I substituted 1 tbsp of grass fed butter for 1 tbsp of the olive oil and it came out absolutely perfect. My daughter couldn’t get enough.
Cheers–Pete
Hi Pete! Thank you for trying this recipe! I sometimes drop butter at the end, it makes it a little more creamy and ohhh so delicious! 🙂 Thank you for writing your feedback and glad to hear your daughter enjoyed it. You made my day! Happy Father’s Day to you!
Yes, its true talian cuisine is wildly popular in Japan. I am sharing 13 Quick Pasta Dishes This is a kind of food that would surely make you feel heaven after gobbling on a plate of it. Here are quick pasta recipes that won’t let you wait long for dinner.
hi awesome recipe.. spaghetti allo vongole , mama mia che deleciosa e gostosa. posted to my social media
Thank you Zouhair! xo
That is mouthwatering. Pasta with clams is likely our very favorite kind. It’s so simple yet so packed with flavor. And we had some of the best pasta in Japan so you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks for such an easy but yummy recipe. I made it twice n my kids love it !
Hi Wendy! Thank you so much for your kind feedback! I’m so happy to hear your kids enjoyed this recipe! 🙂