Spaghetti with Olive Oil Garlic and Anchovies

Elevate your weeknight pasta routine with this quick and flavorful Spaghetti with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Anchovies recipe. This Mediterranean-inspired dish comes together in just 25 minutes, blending al dente spaghetti with a rich, savory sauce made from extra virgin olive oil, golden garlic slices, and umami-packed anchovies that melt into the oil for incredible depth. A hint of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while fresh parsley and optional lemon zest brighten the dish with fresh, herby notes. Perfectly balanced and easy to prepare, this crowd-pleasing recipe is a go-to choice for lovers of simple yet bold Italian flavors. Serve it as a satisfying main course or a complementary side for your favorite seafood or roasted vegetables.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 5 pieces garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 6 pieces anchovy fillets, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.

Step 2

While the spaghetti cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Add the chopped anchovy fillets to the skillet and use a wooden spoon to break them down as they melt into the oil, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

If desired, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes to add a hint of spice.

Step 6

Before draining the spaghetti, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic and anchovies.

Step 7

Toss the spaghetti in the skillet until it’s evenly coated in the garlic and anchovy oil, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.

Step 8

Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the anchovies are already salty.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and, if using, the lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with more parsley if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Spaghetti with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Anchovies!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(787.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1485.6

Total Fat 92.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 30mg	0%
Sodium 4492.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 132.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g	0%
Total Sugars 3.9g
Protein 38.1g	0%

Vitamin D 200IU	0%
Calcium 141.9mg	0%
Iron 9.5mg	0%
Potassium 502.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.0%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 34.9%