Clams With Linguine

Step 1

Shuck clams or have them shucked. Reserve the juice and clams separately. Chop or slice clams coarsely. There should be about 1 cup chopped clams and 2 cups juice.

Step 2

Trim off ends of zucchini. Cut zucchini lengthwise into quarters and each quarter into thin slices crosswise. There should be about 2 cups.

Step 3

Cut tomatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.

Step 4

Bring 2 1/2 quarts of water to boil.

Step 5

Heat olive oil in a skillet and add garlic and pepper flakes. Cook briefly, stirring, and add zucchini and tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and stir. Add reserved clam juice. Bring to boil and add basil leaves.

Step 6

Drop linguine into the water. If the pasta is fresh, cook 1 to 1 1/2 minutes; if dried, cook 9 minutes or to desired degree of doneness. Drain quickly.

Step 7

Put linguine in the sauce and add clams. Toss to blend. Serve immediately.