Thinly slice the garlic.

Rub the clams together in water to remove dirt.

Blend basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor. Add grated cheese, olive oil, and salt, then blend until smooth to make basil sauce.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add clams and sake, cover, and cook for about 3 minutes until clams open. Turn off the heat.

Boil water in a pot, add salt (not listed in ingredients), and cook spaghetti 1 minute less than the package instructions. Reserve 3 tbsp of pasta water and drain the rest.