Easy Summer Skillet Recipe: Ina Garten’s Clams Sausage & Corn

Summer skillets burst with vibrant flavors that capture seasonal excitement and culinary simplicity.

Ina Garten’s summer skillet combines succulent seafood and hearty proteins in a delightful one-pan wonder.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of textures and robust tastes.

Coastal influences shine through each carefully selected component, transforming basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

The dish promises a quick, elegant meal that feels simultaneously sophisticated and approachable.

Fresh summer produce sings alongside rich proteins, promising a memorable dining experience.

You’ll fall in love with this effortless recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation: enjoy!

Ways to Change Up Your Clams & Sausage Meal

• Seafood Swap: Replace clams with fresh mussels or jumbo shrimp for a different maritime protein that maintains the skillet's oceanic essence.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute sausage with spicy plant-based chorizo or smoked tofu crumbles to create a meat-free version that keeps the dish's robust flavor profile.
• Spice Explorer: Upgrade the heat by adding diced jalapeños or switching red pepper flakes with chipotle powder for a smoky, intense kick that elevates the entire skillet experience.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap white wine for a splash of ouzo to bring a Greek-inspired interpretation to the classic summer recipe.

Parting Thoughts on Ina Garten’s Summer Skillet

Summer’s culinary magic sparkles through Ina Garten’s skillet masterpiece, blending coastal flavors with rustic charm.

Mediterranean influences dance across this single-pan wonder, creating harmony between sausage, clams, and sweet corn kernels.

Wine-kissed ingredients meld into a symphonic celebration of seasonal bounty.

Subtle heat from red pepper flakes whispers complexity beneath each succulent bite.

Fragrant basil ribbons crown this gastronomic landscape with elegant freshness.

Share this coastal dream, comment with passionate delight, and spread summer’s delicious spirit across your social circles – pure coastal comfort awaits.

Why Ina Garten’s Summer Skillet with Clams, Sausage & Corn Rocks

• Savor Seasonal Summer Flavors: Burst with fresh corn, juicy tomatoes, and briny clams that capture the essence of warm-weather dining in one delightful skillet.
• Enjoy Quick and Easy Cooking: Whip up this restaurant-quality meal in just 35 minutes with minimal prep and simple techniques that even novice cooks can master confidently.
• Experience Texture-Rich Comfort: Delight in the perfect combination of crispy sausage, tender clams, sweet corn, and soft bread that creates a symphony of satisfying textures and mouth-watering bites.

Core Ingredients for This Summer Skillet

Main Ingredients:

• Clams: Fresh, sweet shellfish that will open when fully cooked and provide a briny ocean flavor. Look for tightly closed shells with no cracks.

• Sausage: Savory meat that adds richness and depth to the skillet. Choose spicy Italian or mild version depending on preference.

• Onion: Aromatic base that provides sweet and savory foundation for the dish. Fresh white or yellow onions work best.
• Corn: Sweet summer vegetable that adds freshness and texture to the skillet. Fresh or frozen kernels are perfect.
• Tomatoes: Juicy ingredient that creates a light sauce and adds bright acidity. Ripe, firm diced tomatoes recommended.

Seasonings and Liquids:

• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.

• White Wine: Deglazes the pan and adds complexity to the sauce. Dry white varieties work best.
• Olive Oil: Creates initial cooking base and helps prevent sticking.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates silky texture when melted.

Garnish:

• Basil: Fresh herb that provides bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

Serving Suggestion:

• French Bread: Classic accompaniment to soak up delicious sauce.

Method for Ina Garten’s Clams & Sausage

Step 1: Prepare The Skillet Base

Heat of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Brown The Sausage

Add sausage to the skillet, breaking it into small, bite-sized pieces. Cook until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown color, which takes about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Layer In Fresh Ingredients

• Fresh corn kernels
• Chopped tomatoes
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the mixture and let it cook for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Introduce Wine And Butter

Pour of white wine into the skillet. Scatter chunks of butter across the surface, which will create a luxurious sauce as they melt.

Step 5: Arrange The Clams

Carefully place fresh clams in the skillet, positioning them with their hinged side down. Pack them closely together to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Steam The Clams

Increase the heat to bring the skillet to a boil. Cover with a lid, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Allow clams to steam until they open completely, typically 8-12 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Transfer the skillet contents into serving bowls. Sprinkle thinly sliced fresh basil over the top. Serve immediately alongside warm, crusty French bread for a delightful summer meal.

Chef’s Tips for a Flavorful Skillet

• Amplify Flavor Dynamics: Slice basil leaves precisely with razor-sharp kitchen scissors to release delicate aromatic oils and create elegant green ribbons.
• Transform Wine Selection: Experiment with crisp white wines like sauvignon blanc, using identical bottle for cooking and drinking to enhance overall tasting experience.
• Customize Protein Profile: Swap traditional Italian sausage with adventurous alternatives like spicy chorizo or lean chicken sausage for distinctive taste variations.
• Maximize Corn Freshness: Harvest peak-season corn kernels directly from cob, ensuring maximum sweetness and vibrant texture in your summer skillet.
• Optimize Butter Melting: Strategically cut butter into small uniform chunks, allowing smooth integration and creating luxurious silky sauce throughout dish.

Keeping This Skillet Dish Fresh

• Airtight Container Method: Transfer the entire skillet contents into a sealed glass or hard plastic container, ensuring no air pockets remain. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize oxidation and preserve flavors.
• Quick Cooling Technique: Spread the skillet mixture on a wide, shallow dish to rapidly lower temperature before refrigeration. Remove clams from shells to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal texture.
• Gentle Reheating Strategy: Warm the seafood skillet over low heat in a covered pan, adding a splash of white wine or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and heat just until warmed through, avoiding overcooking that can toughen delicate clams and corn.

Ina Garten Summer Skillet With Clams Sausage And Corn Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer skillet with clams, sausage, and corn brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. Crisp ingredients and bold seasonings create a delightful one-pan meal perfect for relaxed gatherings with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 32 fresh littleneck clams, cleaned
• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (4 to 5 ears)
• 1 pound vine-ripened tomatoes, diced into ½-inch pieces
• ¾ pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1½ cups small-diced yellow onion (1 large)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil, cut into thin strips
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:

• ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into large pieces
• Good olive oil
• French bread, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Gently sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Introduce the sausage into the skillet, methodically crumbling it into small, uniform pieces. Cook until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown color and reaches a crispy texture, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Incorporate the sweet corn kernels, diced tomatoes, fiery red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Thoroughly mix and allow the ingredients to meld together for 3 minutes, releasing their vibrant flavors.
4. Deglaze the skillet with 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of crisp white wine, then delicately distribute butter chunks across the surface, creating a luxurious base for the seafood.
5. Carefully arrange the fresh clams in the skillet, positioning them with their hinged sides downward and nestling them closely together for even cooking.
6. Elevate the heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and allow the clams to steam until they dramatically pop open, typically requiring 8-12 minutes.
7. Transfer the succulent mixture into serving bowls, garnish with gossamer-thin basil ribbons, and accompany with crusty French bread for a complete, rustic dining experience.

Notes

• Summer seafood magic happens when clams and sausage dance together in one sizzling skillet.
• Fresh littleneck clams guarantee the most tender, briny bite in this coastal-inspired dish.
• Crispy, crusty bread becomes the perfect vehicle for soaking up every drop of white wine sauce.
• Ripe corn kernels add natural sweetness that balances the spicy sausage and rich broth.
• Premium ingredients like high-quality sausage and fresh herbs elevate this simple one-pan meal from good to unforgettable.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg