Pasta with Clams & Basil

Pasta with Clams & Basil
Serves 4

Healthier it may be, but whole wheat pasta, in my opinion, needs lots of other flavors to make you forget how much better the white stuff tastes. The half cup of basil adds wonderful flavor as well as nutrition to this quick & easy.


¼ lb whole wheat spiral pasta
1 medium sized onion, minced
1/2 cup + 1 Tbs chicken or vegetable broth
10 oz can whole clams with juice
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 15oz can diced tomatoes
pinch red chili flakes
½ cup chopped fresh basil 6 medium cloves garlic, pressed
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste
*optional ½ cup shredded parmesan for topping


Bring water to a boil and cook pasta. Whole wheat pasta cooks differently than traditional so follow instructions on the package.

While water is coming to a boil and pasta is cooking, heat 1 Tbsp broth over medium heat in a 10-12 inch stainless steel skille and sauté the onion for about 4 minutes stirring frequently.

Add tomato paste, and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 10 minutes on high heat to reduce and intensify sauce.

Add clams and cook for another 2 minutes, not a moment longer or your clams will be mistaken for rubber bands.

Add pressed garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, pepper and chili flakes and remove from heat immediately. Toss with cooked, drained pasta and serve. Aren't you proud of what you did in about 20 minutes?