Lunch: Linguine and Clams with Almonds and Herbs

Recipe by /contributors/bon-appetit-test-kitchen Almonds are the new breadcrumbs. Their toasty flavor and crunch add just the right contrast to pasta.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted, roasted almonds, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup olive oil
Kosher salt
4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed
12 ounces linguine

Instructions

Mix almonds, chives, parsley, and 1 tablespoon oil in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally, until garlic is softened, about 2 minutes. Add wine, bring to a boil, and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
Add clams and increase heat to medium-high; cover pot. Cook, shaking pot occasionally, until clams have opened, 5 –8 minutes (discard any that do not open).
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
Add pasta and 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid to clams and toss to coat. Cook, tossing and adding more cooking liquid as needed, until sauce coats pasta, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
Serve linguine and clams topped with reserved almond-herb mixture.

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