Sicilian Anchovy Pasta Recipe

I can't believe I haven't written a review for this recipe before - it's become one of my favorite quick dinner options. This dish is absolutely delicious, savory, and straightforward to make. I start by browning breadcrumbs in olive oil and then set them aside. Next, I warm up anchovies, garlic, and red pepper flakes in olive oil. I reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water and mix it into the anchovy blend, tossing everything with the pasta. Finally, I add the breadcrumbs and sprinkle some cheese on top. So tasty and easy to prepare!

I would suggest skipping the bread crumbs in this recipe. Adding more carbs to a carb-heavy dish isn't necessary, and it doesn't add much to the flavor. Instead of chopping the anchovies roughly, finely chop them for better distribution throughout the dish. Adjust the amount of garlic according to your personal taste preference (we reduced it in our version). Instead of parsley, consider using oregano for a different flavor profile. Serve the parmesan cheese on the side and lightly sprinkle it over the dish at the table. Avoid overdressing the dish before serving to allow the anchovies to shine and for your guests to truly appreciate this fantastic ingredient.

To those reviewers who recommended adding pasta water: thank you for the suggestion, but unfortunately, it didn't work out well for my dish. When I mixed the bread crumbs into the anchovy sauce, everything was going smoothly until the pasta water caused the bread crumbs to clump up into gummy balls that didn't integrate well with the one-pound pasta. Next time, I'll consider either adding an extra 2-oz. can of anchovies or reducing the pasta quantity, and I'll definitely skip the pasta water. Despite this setback, I plan to make this recipe again because the flavor combination is fantastic, but I'll make sure to stick to the original directions next time. Thanks to the recipe creator for the guidance that I should have followed from the start.

My dad used to make this dish every Good Friday and Christmas Eve. He was born in Tarmina, where the family tradition always included it. Growing up, we were always influenced by Sicilian cuisine.

This pasta recipe is my absolute favorite. The anchovies add a delightful nutty taste that you wouldn't even realize are in the sauce!

Simple, fast, and convenient. Perfect for a delicious and speedy lunch option.

This recipe is fantastic! I prefer to follow it without any modifications, as that's how I improve my cooking skills. My family absolutely loves it, and I'm preparing it again tonight without any alterations.

My wife loves it! 😊

I don't particularly appreciate people who feel the need to alter a fantastic recipe just to add more "sauce." This recipe has been a staple in my collection for years, and while it can be customized, it doesn't need any enhancements - it's simply delicious. If you're looking for a saucier option, I suggest trying a different recipe.