Tender clams are enveloped in a rich, velvety garlic butter cream sauce with a bold touch of chili heat and fragrant spices in this indulgent seafood recipe. Without relying on wine, this dish offers deep flavor and elegant simplicity, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners or sophisticated gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Garlic Butter Cream Clams recipe is a fast and satisfying way to enjoy the luxury of seafood at home. You’ll love it because:

It’s made without alcohol, perfect for all diets.
It comes together in just 15 minutes—ideal for busy evenings.
The cream-based sauce adds richness that complements the natural brininess of the clams.
Adjustable spice levels allow you to tailor the heat to your preference.
It pairs beautifully with bread or pasta for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

frozen precooked clams, thawed
garlic, finely minced
chili flakes
curry powder
paprika
salt
sugar
lemon juice
oil
unsalted butter
heavy whipping cream

Directions

In a large skillet, heat oil and butter over medium heat until fully melted and bubbling.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in chili flakes, curry powder, paprika, salt, and sugar. Cook for another minute to release the flavors of the spices.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the thawed clams and stir until they’re evenly coated in the sauce.
Cook uncovered for 4–5 minutes, allowing the clams to heat through and the sauce to thicken.
Finish with lemon juice and give it a final stir.
Serve immediately with toasted bread or over your favorite pasta.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 365 kcal

Variations

Add vegetables: Toss in baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
Use fresh clams: Replace frozen clams with fresh ones, adjusting cook time to allow for shell opening.
Cream substitute: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative with a tropical twist.
Milder version: Reduce chili flakes for a gentler, family-friendly version.
Add parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan before serving for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid boiling to preserve the texture of the clams.

FAQs

How do I know when the clams are fully heated?

When using precooked clams, they only need to be heated through. This usually takes about 4–5 minutes in the sauce once it’s simmering.

Can I make this dish with fresh clams instead of frozen?

Yes, but you’ll need to steam the fresh clams separately until they open before adding them to the cream sauce.

Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the amount of chili flakes used. It’s easy to adjust to your preferred heat level.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with toasted bread, pasta, rice, or even over mashed potatoes.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan butter.

Is this suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, the recipe is naturally low in carbs, especially when served without pasta or bread.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat gently before adding the clams.

What type of clams work best?

Frozen precooked clams are convenient and work well here, but fresh littlenecks or Manila clams are excellent alternatives.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream sauce may separate and the clams can become rubbery.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Simmering the sauce a bit longer or adding a small amount of grated cheese can help thicken it naturally.

Conclusion

Spicy Garlic Butter Cream Clams offer an irresistible combination of briny seafood, rich cream, bold spices, and garlicky depth—all without the use of wine. It’s a luxurious yet approachable dish that suits both casual dinners and special occasions. With simple ingredients and fast preparation, it’s a go-to choice for any seafood enthusiast.

Spicy Garlic Butter Cream Clams

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Level up your snack game with these Savory Puff Shell Sliders—a Gen Z-inspired, ultra-cute take on puff pastry bites. These golden shell-shaped pastries are filled with a creamy avocado tuna salad and topped with hard-boiled egg slices. Delicious, aesthetic, and social media-ready, they’re perfect for brunches, picnics, and TikTok-worthy bento boxes!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Yield: 8 shell sliders
Category: Appetizers, Brunch, Snacks
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Fusion

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly roll out the puff pastry and cut into shell shapes using a scallop cutter or freehand. Cut in pairs.
Score the top pastry pieces with shallow ridges to mimic shell lines.
Place bottom pastry shapes on the tray, brush edges with water, and top with matching ridged pieces. Lightly seal the edges.
Brush with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes or until puffed and golden. Allow to cool slightly.
In a bowl, mix mashed avocado, tuna, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Slice puff shells horizontally and fill with a spoonful of the tuna-avocado mixture. Top with a hard-boiled egg slice.
Garnish with chili flakes, sesame seeds, or microgreens if desired.
Serve immediately or pack in bento boxes for on-the-go flair.

Notes

Use flavored tuna (e.g., lemon pepper or spicy) for variety.
These sliders can be made ahead and filled right before serving to maintain crispness.
Perfect for entertaining, meal-prep lunches, or viral foodie posts!

Nutrition

Calories: 210 kcal per puff