Spaghetti with Anchovies, Olives, and Pangrattato

Name: Spaghetti with Anchovies, Olives, and Pangrattato
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400 g spaghetti; 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 fillets anchovies (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp chilli flakes; 100 g black olives (pitted and sliced); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 clove garlic (minced)

35 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

A savoury spaghetti dish featuring anchovies, olives, and crispy pangrattato, perfect for a flavourful meal.

Prep

15 min

Cook

20 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Spaghetti with anchovies, olives, and pangrattato is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines the rich umami flavours of anchovies with the briny taste of olives. The addition of pangrattato, or crispy breadcrumbs, adds a delightful texture that elevates the dish to new heights. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavours and want to try something different from the traditional tomato-based pasta dishes. It's a quick and easy meal that can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a simple yet impressive dinner for guests.

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Pro tip: Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

Prepare the pangrattato

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Pro tip: Use day-old bread for the crispiest pangrattato.

Cook the anchovy and garlic

In the same skillet, heat 3 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped anchovies and garlic, and cook until the anchovies dissolve and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Pro tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

Combine with olives and chilli flakes

Add the sliced olives and chilli flakes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to combine the flavours.

Pro tip: Adjust the chilli flakes to your preferred spice level.

Toss pasta with sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.

Pro tip: Ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce for maximum flavour.

Serve with pangrattato and parsley

Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle the pangrattato and chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Pro tip: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavour.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality anchovies for the best flavour.
Toast the pangrattato until golden brown for optimal crunch.
Adjust the amount of chilli flakes to suit your spice preference.
Use fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of anchovies for pasta?

Use high-quality anchovies packed in olive oil for the best flavour.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the anchovies with a vegetarian alternative or omit them for a vegetarian version.

How do you store leftover spaghetti?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is mild, but you can adjust the chilli flakes to your preferred heat.

Could I use another type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with linguine or fettuccine if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spaghetti with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the dish's flavours. The dish can be made ahead by preparing the pangrattato and storing it in an airtight container for up to a week. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated gently on the stove.

Nutrition per serving

450

Calories

12g

Protein

18g

Fat

A quick and delicious garlic parmesan spaghetti for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Easy25 min

See the recipe

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