Flavorful Anchovy Pasta

This anchovy pasta recipe is a delightful combination of savory anchovies, garlic, and fresh herbs, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both simple and elegant. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 6 anchovy fillets in olive oil, drained and finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Additional olive oil for drizzling
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the flat cooktop. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Preparing the Sauce

2. Heat the Olive Oil: Either on the flat cooktop or in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.

3. Add Anchovies: Add the chopped anchovy fillets to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the anchovies have dissolved into the oil.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

4. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the anchovy-garlic mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Add Lemon and Herbs: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together until well combined.

Serving

6. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Tips

• Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Fresh Herbs: Use fresh parsley for the best flavor. You can also add other fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
• Anchovy Quality: Opt for high-quality anchovy fillets for the best taste.

Conclusion

This flavorful anchovy pasta is a quick and easy dish that delivers rich and savory flavors with minimal ingredients. Perfect for a comforting meal anytime.

Variations

1. Tomato Anchovy Pasta: Add cherry tomatoes and capers to the sauce for a tangy twist.
2. Spicy Anchovy Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
3. Anchovy and Olive Pasta: Include sliced Kalamata olives for a briny, Mediterranean flavor.
4. Creamy Anchovy Pasta: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
5. Anchovy Puttanesca: Incorporate diced tomatoes, olives, capers, and a touch of chili flakes for a classic puttanesca variation.

Best Pairings

• Caesar salad with crispy croutons
• Garlic bread or bruschetta
• Roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant)
• A glass of crisp white wine (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc)
• Lightly grilled asparagus