Spaghetti with Anchovies is a simple yet flavorful dish with the perfect balance of salty, savory, and umami goodness. Here’s a detailed recipe to make this delicious Italian pasta:
Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
- 8-10 anchovy fillets (oil-packed)
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes, or according to the package instructions). Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the anchovy-garlic sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add the anchovy fillets to the pan, using the back of a spoon to break them down as they melt into the oil. This will create a rich, savory sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Once the anchovies have dissolved and the garlic is soft, toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet.
- Add a little of the reserved pasta water, stirring everything together to coat the spaghetti with the sauce. Adjust the amount of water until the sauce has a smooth consistency.
- Add finishing touches:
- Turn off the heat and add the lemon zest for a bit of fresh acidity (optional).
- Season with freshly ground black pepper and taste for salt (the anchovies usually add enough saltiness).
- Toss in chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, herby flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, with extra olive oil drizzled on top if desired.
- Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, though many Italians prefer to leave cheese out when anchovies are involved.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio. The richness of the anchovies complements the spaghetti beautifully, creating a satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes!
