Anchovy and Caramelized Onion Pasta with Parmesan
A savory pasta dish where anchovies melt into sweet caramelized onions, finished with nutty Parmesan for a balanced umami flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, fillets anchovy fillets in oil, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 fillets anchovy fillets in oil
- 1 large (about 8 oz) yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-18 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Step 3: Add 6 anchovy fillets and 2 minced garlic cloves to the onions, stirring and mashing the anchovies into the mixture for 2 minutes until melted and fragrant.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the anchovy-onion mixture. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring vigorously to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Anchovy and Caramelized Onion Pasta with Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Anchovy and Caramelized Onion Pasta with Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Anchovy and Caramelized Onion Pasta with Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Anchovy and Caramelized Onion Pasta with Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Anchovy and Caramelized Onion Pasta with Parmesan?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
