This vegan linguine with clam sauce recipe is 100% vegan but has the taste and texture of the real thing!  I know that it’s hard to believe, but if you like the taste of seafood, you must try this recipe!

A white plate full of vegan linguine with "clam" sauce.

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Before going vegan, I really liked seafood and it is something that I have missed.  I loved going to an Italian restaurant and ordering some buttery linguine and clam sauce.

How this recipe came about

A few years ago, my husband and I were eating at a local Chinese restaurant.  The owner happened to be walking past when we were ordering and overheard us that we were vegan. 

He stopped and said, “You’re vegan?  I’ll make you something special!”  He brought us a delicious dish made with king mushrooms.  I had never had them before, and I couldn’t get over how much the texture was like seafood.  A few weeks later, I was shopping in an Asian market and noticed the mushrooms for sale.  I knew that I could create some great mock seafood recipes from these amazing mushrooms!

A fork loaded with vegan linguine with clam sauce over a plate full of the pasta.

Where to purchase king mushrooms 

The mushrooms are a little hard to find, but if you live near a major city, they are in most Asian grocery stores. I have also found them at my local Whole Foods. They are truly huge! 

Preparing king mushrooms 

Comprised of mostly stem, each mushroom is dense and “meaty” with a mild flavor.  I cut off the top cap because it has a strong flavor, and the bottom inch or so of the stem because the texture is too chewy, then cut the rest into small cubes.

Two king mushrooms on a cutting board with parsley and tomatoes behind them.

Instructions

For this Linguine with clam sauce, I use my homemade vegan butterIt tastes very similar to real butter and provides an authentic taste, but you can use regular vegan margarine too. 

  1. Start by sautéing the cubed king mushrooms in the vegan butter in a large skillet and sprinkle with salt. 
  2. When the mushrooms release their juices, add kelp powder.  This can be purchased in many major grocery stores or you can order it on AmazonThis gives the mushrooms the clam flavor.  (You can adjust the amount to suit your taste). 
  3. Add the garlic and parsley and cook for another minute or two.
  4. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta, mix well, and you’re done!
A college of 4 pictures showing how to cut and cook the king mushrooms to make the vegan clam sauce.

 This vegan linguini with clam sauce is one of the easiest pasta dishes that you can make!  The whole thing only takes about 20 minutes, but it tastes as if it came from a fancy Italian restaurant!

More vegan seafood recipes

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A fork full of vegan linguine with clam sauce.
5 from 5 rating

Vegan Linguine with Clam Sauce

A classic tasting vegan linguine with clam sauce made with king mushrooms.  Gluten-free if made with gluten-free linguine.

Ingredients

  • 1 lbs. linguine pasta, (gluten-free if desired)
  • 2 king mushrooms diced
  • ½ cup vegan butter, or margarine
  • 2 teaspoons kelp flakes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil water and cook linguini according to package directions.
  • While the pasta is boiling, wash king mushroom, cut off the cap and about 1 ½ inch off the end.
  • Then dice the large stem portion of the mushroom into small cubes.
  • Melt vegan butter on low in a large skillet and add mushrooms and salt.
  • Sauté on medium-low until the mushrooms start to release their water.
  • Add the kelp powder, minced garlic, and parsley and cook for about 2-3 more minutes.
  • Add the drained and rinsed pasta to the skillet and mix well.
  • Salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Notes

  • Be sure to cook on medium-low heat as to not burn the butter or the garlic.
  • Only cook 2-3 more minutes after adding minced garlic so it doesn’t burn.
  • Top with more fresh parsley.
  • Serve hot.
Serving: 1cup, Calories: 295kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 249mg, Potassium: 163mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 750IU, Vitamin C: 3.7mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 0.9mg
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