Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups Small Shells, Ditalini, or Stars (uncooked)
• 3 tablespoons Margarine
• 1 small Onion, chopped
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 4 cups Milk
• 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley
• 1 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 2 cans (6 1/2 ounces each) Minced Clams (undrained)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the margarine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until they become tender.
3. Stir in the milk, chopped fresh parsley, shredded Cheddar cheese, and undrained minced clams. Keep stirring constantly and heat the mixture until the soup is hot, and the cheese melts. Be careful not to boil it.
4. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Finally, stir in the cooked pasta, and heat the soup through.
6. Serve the clam and pasta soup hot and enjoy!

Here are some variations of the clam and pasta soup recipe:

1. Creamy Seafood Chowder: Add a variety of seafood such as shrimp, crab, or lobster along with the clams. Increase the milk or use a combination of milk and heavy cream for an even richer and creamier chowder.
2. Spicy Clam and Pasta Soup: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to give the soup a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy cheese like pepper jack instead of Cheddar.
3. Tomato-Based Clam Soup: Replace some of the milk with canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to create a tomato-based clam and pasta soup. Add Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for extra flavor.
4. Vegetable-Loaded Clam Soup: Add diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers to the soup along with the onions and garlic for a heartier and more colorful version.
5. Asian-Inspired Clam Soup: Use Asian noodles like udon or rice noodles instead of traditional pasta. Add ingredients like ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a delicious Asian twist.
6. Mushroom and Clam Soup: Sautee sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy flavor. You can also add dried porcini mushrooms for an intense mushroom taste.
7. Clam and Bacon Chowder: Incorporate crispy bacon into the soup for added smokiness and depth of flavor. Use bacon fat instead of margarine for cooking the onions and garlic.
8. Lemon and Herb Clam Soup: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the soup and garnish with chopped fresh herbs like dill or cilantro to brighten up the flavors.
9. Cheesy Clam and Pasta Soup: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or fontina to add a unique cheesy taste to the soup.
10. Coconut Clam Soup: Substitute some of the milk with coconut milk to create a rich and creamy coconut-infused clam and pasta soup. Add a touch of curry powder for an exotic flavor.
11. Clam and Corn Chowder: Add sweet corn kernels to the soup for a delightful combination of flavors. Use fresh or frozen corn for the best taste.
12. Mediterranean Clam and Pasta Soup: Enhance the soup with Mediterranean flavors by adding sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
13. Thai Clam and Noodle Soup: Swap the pasta with rice noodles and add Thai curry paste, lemongrass, and coconut milk for a delicious Thai-inspired version.
14. Smoky Clam and Pasta Soup: Use smoked clams or add smoked paprika to give the soup a smoky and savory taste.
15. Clam and Potato Soup: Add diced potatoes to the soup for a heartier and more substantial version. The potatoes will absorb the flavors and add a creamy texture to the soup.