20 Decadent Clam Recipes For A Coastal Dinner Party

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Delighting foodies and sea lovers alike, these clam recipes are sure to impress. Clams are a true treasure from the ocean’s depths, boasting an unbeatable combination of tender texture and rich flavor. Often perceived as intimidating to work with, clams are actually surprisingly easy to prepare, making them a great choice for home cooks of all skill levels.

Corn Infused Clam Chowder Recipe

Corn Infused Clam Chowder Recipe

Beyond the rich flavors of traditional clam chowders, Clam Chowder number three stands out with its unique twist – sweet golden corn kernels adding a delightful touch to this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Clams in a Light Garlic Pasta

Clams in a Light Garlic Pasta

Making the most of seafood pasta is always a delight, and I’m not just saying that because I have a major weakness for this dish. Unlike rich and creamy pasta sauces, this one has a light yet tantalizing flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The combination of buttery goodness and aromatic garlic is perfectly balanced by the briny flavor of clams, making each bite a true taste sensation. Chopped parsley adds a vibrant splash of color, elevating the dish from simple to stunning.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or want to impress your partner with a romantic dinner, this seafood pasta recipe is sure to hit the spot – and it’s ready in just a few minutes!

New Haven-Style Clam Pizza Delight

New Haven-Style Clam Pizza Delight

Rich in flavors and textures, this New Haven-style pizza is a true delight for the senses. Garlic and clams are the stars of the show, making it impossible to stop at just one slice. Unlike traditional pizzas loaded with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, this one takes on a unique twist with its white sauce made entirely from oil, oregano, and Pecorino Romano.

A nod to the classic style is the rich and creamy base that sets New Haven pizza apart, and it all started in the ’60s at Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana.

Mouthwatering Clam Filled Mushroom Delights

Mouthwatering Clam Filled Mushroom Delights

People’s faces light up when they see stuffed mushrooms on the table. It’s not hard to understand why – these earthy delights are a masterclass in flavor combination. Just one glance at them is enough to make anyone crave for more. Mini portobello mushrooms, packed with succulent clams, Italian seasoning, garlic, sherry vinegar, breadcrumbs, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, are the epitome of an appetizer that’s impossible to resist.

Once baked to perfection, the tops transform into a golden brown and crunchy delight, providing a beautiful contrast to the chewy texture of the mushrooms.

Tomato-Based Clam Chowder from Manhattan

Tomato-Based Clam Chowder from Manhattan

Among the various clam chowder recipes out there, Manhattan chowder stands out for its unique twist on traditional flavors. While still featuring clams and potatoes, this variation boasts a tomato-based broth that elevates the dish to new heights of richness and creaminess.Not only does it boast an impressive array of ingredients like bacon, carrots, and celery, but it’s also visually appealing when topped with crunchy oyster crackers and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

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Creamy Linguine Clam Pasta in Minutes

Creamy Linguine Clam Pasta in Minutes

Oozing with flavor and simplicity, this quick linguini recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal addition to your weekly meal planner. The al dente pasta is smothered in a rich and creamy clam sauce, finished with the delicate flavors of fresh clams, parsley, and parmesan cheese.

Canada’s Beloved Bloody Mary Twist

Canada

Honestly, while I’m not a fan of the Caesar myself, it’s gained popularity with many people, including my dad. This Canadian classic is made by combining Clamato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, tabasco, horseradish, and celery for a savory taste experience that packs a bit of a punch. If you’re fond of Bloody Marys, I suspect you’ll enjoy this drink as well. Interestingly, the Caesar has earned its place in Canadian hearts as their national cocktail.

In fact, it’s so beloved that it even has its own National Caesar Day on May 18th.

Crispy Clam Strips in Soft Hoagie Rolls

Crispy Clam Strips in Soft Hoagie Rolls

Keeping with its reputation as the barbeque of New England, fried clam strips are a culinary delight that offers an exceptional gastronomic experience. The harmonious texture contrast between crispy, golden batter and chewy, slightly rubbery clam strips is truly remarkable! When served in a soft, buttery hoagie roll paired with a homemade tartar sauce, this sandwich transcends its humble ingredients to become the ultimate dream meal for every seafood enthusiast.

To make this mouth-watering treat, you’ll need just one box of Gorton’s breaded clams, ensuring minimal effort and maximum reward.

Clam Cheese Dip Delight

Clam Cheese Dip Delight

Taking the humble world of dips to new heights is the unlikely yet delectable combination of cream cheese and clams. What initially may seem like an unusual pairing turns out to be a match made in heaven! This delightful dip offers a harmonious balance of creamy, briny, and garlicky flavors, with a subtle tang from the lemon juice adding an extra layer of depth.

As you’d expect, it’s a taste sensation that pairs perfectly with chips, crackers, crostini, and crudites, but its allure is so great that you may find yourself simply digging in with a spoon.

Spicy Clam Broth Recipe from the Mediterranean

Spicy Clam Broth Recipe from the Mediterranean

Lighting the flame in the kitchen can be a wonderful experience, especially when cooking up something as mouthwatering as steamed clams. What may seem like a simple dish at first glance actually packs quite a punch, thanks to the rich and flavorful broth it’s cooked in.

The white wine broth is a masterclass in aromatics, with sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic providing the perfect foundation for the addition of tomatoes, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, and of course, a generous pour of white wine. It’s an unexpected combination that elevates this humble dish to new heights. And the best part? The cooking time is relatively quick, with clams steaming in just 10 minutes – making it an ideal option for both special occasions and everyday meals alike.

Classic New England Clam Chowder Recipe

Classic New England Clam Chowder Recipe

Highlighting the quintessential New England clam chowder is a great starting point for any culinary enthusiast. This beloved dish boasts several variations, with New England being a standout favorite among foodies. Every spoonful of this rich and creamy soup is a masterclass in textures, featuring tender clams, fluffy potatoes, and crispy bacon that harmonize perfectly. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare!

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Simply combine all the ingredients in one pot, and let the magic happen within 45-60 minutes.

Quahog Clam Chowder from Cape Cod

Quahog Clam Chowder from Cape Cod

Everyone’s favorite clam chowder has been reinvented – welcome to the world of Cape Cod clam chowder! This delicious variation uses large, hard-shell clams known as quahogs. Its unique characteristic is that it’s just as creamy as traditional clam chowders but boasts a thinner consistency. The secret lies in the combination of heavy cream, chunky potatoes, and of course, plump quahog bits.

To elevate the experience, serve this mouth-watering chowder with oyster crackers or saltines for an added textural delight.

Clam Asparagus Risotto: A Flavorful Delight

Clam Asparagus Risotto: A Flavorful Delight

Combining creamy risotto with the flavors and textures of chewy clams, crunchy asparagus, and rich cheese elevates this Italian classic to new heights. The foundation for the dish lies in its well-balanced sauce, expertly made by combining butter, olive oil, clam broth, and wine. Even when served on its own, the risotto is already a treat for the taste buds. However, it’s the addition of clams, asparagus, and parmesan that truly takes this dish to an exceptional level.

As a result, even the heartiest eaters won’t hesitate to ask for seconds – or even a third helping – due to the filling nature of the risotto.

Clam Pasta Sauce Elevates Classic Marinara

Clam Pasta Sauce Elevates Classic Marinara

Here’s how to elevate your pasta game: picture your favorite pasta marinara, then multiply the flavor by 10. This recipe takes the classic Italian treat and gives it a delicious seafood makeover that still manages to stay light and refreshing, but with a briny twist – exactly what you need to mix things up. The addition of clams not only adds a burst of flavor, but also provides a nice texture contrast to the perfectly cooked al dente pasta.

Summer Bucatini with Corn and Clams Delight

Summer Bucatini with Corn and Clams Delight

Pondering Italian cuisine, I recently came across a recipe that introduced me to Bucatini, a type of pasta I had never heard of until then. This long, slender, and narrow tubular pasta is incredibly fantastic! Where have you been all my life?? In fact, Bucatini and perciatelli are essentially the same thing – just different names for this Italian staple. What sets them apart from spaghetti is the presence of holes running through their center, giving them a unique texture and appearance.

Imagine these long tubes perfectly complemented by a light, wine-based sauce, juicy corn kernels bursting with flavor, and chewy clams adding a delightful twist. This pasta dish is truly the perfect summer meal.

Creamy All-White Seafood Lasagna Delight

Creamy All-White Seafood Lasagna Delight

Making the most of its creamy texture is one of the standout features of this all-white lasagna variation. Unlike traditional recipes that rely on marinara sauce for flavor, this dish takes a bold approach by substituting it with a rich and indulgent seafood-based cream sauce. The idea of infusing crabmeat, shrimp, and clam juice into the cream sauce is truly innovative and showcases a level of culinary genius.

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Beyond the enticing seafood sauce, each layer also boasts a delicate ricotta and parmesan mix that’s sprinkled with mozzarella for an added burst of flavor. This harmonious balance of umami flavors creates a dish that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

Lemongrass Coconut Clam Soup

Lemongrass Coconut Clam Soup

Elevating the simplicity of a traditional soup, this Asian-inspired recipe combines clams and coconut in a brilliant fusion. The addition of ginger, cilantro, and lemongrass not only adds earthy flavors but also creates a warm and inviting aroma. Surprisingly, despite its complex blend of flavors, this soup can be prepared in just 20 minutes.

Whether served as an appetizer with crackers or bread, or as the main course accompanied by fragrant jasmine rice, this coconut-clam soup is sure to delight.

Garlic Herb Steamed Clams Delight

Garlic Herb Steamed Clams Delight

Just like its predecessor, this steamed clam recipe is simplicity at its finest, yet packed with an extraordinary depth of flavor. Joining the clams are garlic, butter, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, which collectively create a harmonious union that’s nothing short of culinary magic. It’s astonishing to think how such a straightforward approach can yield such refined and complex flavors! The beauty of this dish lies in its understated elegance, reminiscent of fine dining establishments.

Whether you choose to serve these clams as a delicate appetizer or a satisfying main course, accompanied by rice, bread, or pasta, the experience is sure to be nothing short of memorable.

Lighter Rhode Island Clam Chowder Options

Lighter Rhode Island Clam Chowder Options

Diverging from the richer options, Rhode Island chowder stands out as a healthier choice among its counterparts. Characterized by its clear broth, it eschews the creamy and spicy undertones found in other chowders, yet still manages to be flavorful and satisfying. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking a lighter, more wholesome meal.

Crab and Clam Bisque

Crab and Clam Bisque

Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the delightful combination of ingredients packed into this quick and easy crab bisque recipe. Not only does it feature an assortment of seafood delights such as succulent crabmeat and briny clams, but also root vegetables like potatoes, celery, and carrots that add a depth of flavor to each spoonful. It’s truly impressive how a dish this rich and satisfying can be prepared in just 20 minutes, leaving plenty of time for other culinary pursuits.

Interestingly, many people are unaware of the distinction between a chowder and a bisque, despite their similarities. Both are often creamy and feature seafood as a primary ingredient, but it’s actually the consistency of the broth that sets them apart – while chowders tend to be chunky and textured, bisques are silky smooth, making each spoonful a delight for the senses.

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