Linguini with clams - "Spaghetti alle vongole"

Marco has been at my place for dinner this evening, so it's the right occasion for my first pasta recipe.

For 2 people:

• 250 grs of linguini or spaghetti
• 300 grs of clams
• 1 medium size tomato
• 1/2 glass of white dry wine
• parsley
• 2 spoons of oil
• salt, pepper, red hot pepper
• 1 clove of garlic

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat with the garlic cut into 2 halves. Add the clams. Stir, increase heat to medium-high and cover. Check the clams every minute or so. When the first clam opens add the wine. Continue to cook shaking the pan from time to time. When most of the clams are open add chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt & pepper. Remove most of the clam shells but leave some for they are useful to garnish.
Cook the pasta, drain and pour it in the pan with the sauce and mix well. Serve it hot with a tuft of parsley.