Linguine alle Vongole

Scrub the clams well under cold running water. Place in a large bowl, add salted cold water to cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain the clams and rinse well.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the linguine and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (tender but still slightly firm to the bite), according to the package instructions.

While the linguine is cooking, in a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest and capers until the garlic softens and is fragrant but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add the clams and wine and cover. Increase the heat to high and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until the clams have opened, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and discard any unopened clams. Add the butter and swirl the saucepan until the butter melts into the cooking liquid.

Drain the linguine and return it to its cooking pot. Pour the clams and sauce over the linguine and mix gently. Transfer to a serving platter or individual pasta bowls, dividing the clams evenly. Sprinkle with the parsley and bread crumbs and serve at once. Serves 4.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Comfort Food: Warm and Homey, Rich and Hearty, by Rick Rodgers (Oxmoor House, 2009).