Name: Simple Mediterranean Anchovy Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti or pasta; 6 anchovy fillets (canned in oil); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Simple Mediterranean Anchovy Pasta

A classic and quick Mediterranean pasta dish featuring salty anchovies, garlic, and olive oil. This traditional Italian recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and delivers authentic flavors with minimal ingredients. Perfect for beginners who want to impress with restaurant-quality simplicity.

20 min

Easy

4 servings

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Taste Profile

Sweet1/10

Salty8/10

Sour1/10

Umami8/10

Spicy2/10

🥄 Texture

Al dente spaghetti provides a firm, slightly chewy bite while the olive oil and dissolved anchovies create a silky, glossy coating on each strand. Small bits of garlic (and any residual anchovy particles) add intermittent tender, slightly grainy flecks that contrast with the smooth pasta.

👃 Aroma

Pronounced savory/umami aroma from the anchovies mingles with sharp, toasty garlic and warm olive oil. If used, the red pepper flakes give a faint peppery lift, and the overall scent is briny, mouthwatering, and Mediterranean.

🍷 Pairs Well With

A crisp, dry white wine such as Vermentino or Pinot Grigio; alternatively a dry rosé, a light pilsner, or sparkling water with a lemon wedge to cut through the richness.

🥗 Side Dishes

Simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, crusty country bread or focaccia to mop up the sauce, or lightly sautéed greens (broccolini or spinach) dressed with garlic and chili flakes.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still firm). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

While the pasta cooks, pour the 3 tablespoons of olive oil into a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

Add the anchovy fillets to the pan with the garlic and oil. Use a wooden spoon to break them apart and stir them into the oil for about 2 minutes. The anchovies will dissolve into a flavorful paste.

Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the anchovy mixture. Toss everything together well. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) to create a light sauce that coats the noodles.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately in bowls, drizzling with a bit more olive oil if desired.