- 12 ounces linguine
- 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
- 1/4 cup chopped shallots
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon (scant) saffron threads
- 2 pounds cockles or small Manila clams, scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons whipping cream
- Cook linguine in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add wine, 1 tablespoon tarragon, and saffron. Increase heat to high; bring to boil. Add cockles; cover and cook until cockles open, about 3 minutes. Use tongs to transfer cockles to bowl (discard any that do not open). Stir cream into sauce in skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Add pasta to skillet; toss. Divide pasta and sauce between 2 flat bowls and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon tarragon. Top with cockles and serve.