Mama's White Clam Sauce, Less Than $1/Person

We love Clams in our house!

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My husband is a nut when it comes to them.  If he could, he would eat them every single day!  That's why at least once a month, you'll find me whipping up my homemade White Clam Sauce.  I made up this recipe while in college (can it 16 years already???) so it's tried and true.  It's also a super-fast meal to make and will serve 5-6 people.  If you like Clams, this one's for you!


Here's what you'll need:
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Medium Onion, Diced
1 Tablespoon Garlic, Minced
1/8 Cup Sherry or White Wine (optional)
2 Cans (10 oz) of Whole Clams (I use Bumblebee Brand)
1 Chicken Bullion Cube dissolved in 1 Cup Water
3 Tablespoons Corn Starch
1/2 Teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (or to your taste)

In a Large Skillet, saute the Onion and Garlic in the Olive Oil until the Onion is translucent.  Add the Sherry.  Add the Canned Clams with the juice into the pan and allow it to come back up to a simmer.

Meanwhile, in a measuring cup, mix the Water and Chicken Bullion Cube to make broth.  If necessary, microwave it for 1 minute to dissolve the cube.  Mix the Corn Starch into the broth until it completely dissolves.

When the Clams are up to a full simmer, quickly whisk in the Broth/Cornstarch mixture.  Turn the heat off and keep stirring.  The sauce will thicken very quickly.   Add the Old Bay Seasoning to the sauce and serve over the pasta of your choice!


(Cooks Note:  The sauce will taste a bit salty straight out of the pan, but when served over pasta, it tastes great!  If you want to cut back on the salt, you can cut the bullion cube in half and/or use less Old Bay Seasoning.)

Fake-It Yourself Breakdown:

Mama's White Clam Sauce with Whole Grain Spaghetti (Canned Clams $4.00, Spaghetti $0.75, Pantry $0.75)

Total Fake-It Cost:  $5.50, Approx. $0.96 per person