Step 1

Bring a stockpot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta according to package directions. Note: If there is a time range, cook it on the shorter end of the spectrum, as the pasta will continue to cook when the hot sauce is added. TIP: Be sure to reserve a cup of pasta cooking water when you drain your noodles. You may not need to use the whole thing, but pasta water is gold when you're making pasta sauce!

Step 2

Heat a few glugs of olive oil over medium heat in a sauté pan. Once it's shimmering, add the diced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are mostly translucent at the edges and are quite soft.

Step 3

Add the wine (if using) and reduce by half.

Step 4

Add the clams with their juices and your herbs/spices, then simmer for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Pour the half and half into the mix, stir, then simmer for about 3 minutes.

Step 6

Once the sauce is ready, pour it into the stockpot where you cooked your pasta. Add the cooked pasta in with it, and stir. If you have the patience, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes with a lid on. Come back to stir, adding pasta water as necessary to make it silky and creamy.

Step 7

Season with salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy!