For a thicker sauce, whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir into the simmering sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots or corn to the sauce. If you don't have fresh tarragon, a pinch of dried tarragon can be substituted, but fresh is preferred. For a spicier dish, add a dash of hot sauce along with the cayenne pepper.
Clam Chowder Shell Pasta
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PREP TIME20 mins
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COOK TIME35 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs
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SERVING4 People
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VIEWS24
Imagine the comforting flavors of New England clam chowder, reimagined as a luscious pasta sauce! Tender shell pasta embraces a creamy, clam-infused sauce studded with savory bacon and delicate potatoes. This unexpected twist on a classic soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delightful weeknight indulgence.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate53 g
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Cholesterol116 mg
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Fiber3 g
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Protein24 g
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Saturated Fat14 g
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Sodium989 mg
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Fat30 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
11 mins
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, turning occasionally (10-12 minutes). Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet. Set bacon aside.
02
Step
6 mins
Return the skillet with the bacon fat to medium heat. Add butter, onion, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and translucent (5 minutes). Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a light roux.
03
Step
1 mins
Pour clam juice into the skillet, whisking to dissolve any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
04
Step
11 mins
While the clam juice is simmering, cook shell pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (9-12 minutes).
05
Step
5 mins
Add potatoes, celery, tarragon, and cayenne to the simmering clam juice mixture. Reduce heat to medium and simmer gently for 5 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender.
06
Step
10 mins
Stir in the reserved clams, heavy cream, and all but 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon. Simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove and discard tarragon sprig.
07
Step
1 mins
Drain pasta well and add it to the clam sauce. Toss to combine thoroughly. Remove from heat and let sit for 1 minute to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
08
Step
1 mins
Stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
09
Step
1 mins
Ladle into warm bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh parsley.
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Please Rate
Jaiden Konopelski
May 21, 2025This recipe is amazing! My family devoured it. I added a little extra garlic for more flavor.
Brent Jacobsonchristiansen
May 5, 2025I was skeptical about the clam chowder pasta combination, but it turned out to be surprisingly delicious! Will definitely make again.
Hipolito Cruickshank
Mar 15, 2025So easy to make and tastes like a fancy restaurant dish! The bacon adds such a great depth of flavor.