Simple Pasta with Garlic, Anchovies, and Love
A humble, silky pasta tossed with garlic, olive oil, and anchovies that melt into a savory sauce—finished with parsley and a whisper of chili. Classic Italian comfort food made from pantry staples, ready in minutes.
When the house was quiet and the pantry was nearly empty, my mother would reach for pasta, a tin of anchovies, and a good bottle of olive oil. The anchovies disappear like magic, leaving only a warm, deep flavor that tastes like Sunday even on a Tuesday. This is the kind of dish you make when you want to feed people simply—and make them feel loved.
Total Time
25 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
Pasta
- •12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
- •Salt, for the pasta water
Garlic-Anchovy Sauce
- •1/3 cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to finish
- •6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- •6 to 8 anchovy fillets (oil-packed), drained
- •1/4 to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, to taste
Finish
- •1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- •1/2 cup (50 g) toasted breadcrumbs (optional, for a traditional "poor man's parmesan")
- •1 tsp finely grated lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
- •Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt it generously (it should taste like the sea), then add the pasta and cook until al dente.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and just turning pale gold, 1 to 2 minutes (do not let it brown).
- 3
Add the anchovy fillets and red pepper flakes. Stir and mash the anchovies with a wooden spoon until they melt into the oil, about 1 minute.
- 4
Just before draining, scoop out 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta.
- 5
Add the pasta to the skillet and toss well. Add a splash of pasta water (start with 1/4 cup) and toss until the sauce looks silky and coats the noodles, adding more pasta water a little at a time as needed.
- 6
Turn off the heat. Toss in the parsley and black pepper. If using, add lemon zest for a fresh lift.
- 7
Serve immediately, finishing each plate with toasted breadcrumbs (if using) and a small drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.