Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander, reserving a little bit of the pasta water for later.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the garlic and butter mixture, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the half and half cream while whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Stir in the chopped clams along with the juice from two of the cans. Mix well to ensure the clams are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Add the chopped parsley and season with freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the clam sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve your clam linguine immediately, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience!