A delightful pasta dish featuring a rich garlic butter clam sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Cook the spaghetti in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
Reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
Ensure the butter doesn't brown to keep the sauce light and creamy.
Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and golden.
Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
Add the clams and their juices to the skillet, stirring to combine.
If using fresh clams, ensure they are cleaned and discard any that do not open during cooking.
Stir in the parsley and season with salt to taste.
Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor; add it just before serving to retain its freshness.
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the clam sauce in the skillet until well coated.
Add reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best flavor and texture.
