Sicilian-Style Pasta with Anchovy and Capers
Pasta tossed with a savory umami-rich sauce made from anchovies, capers, and garlic. Simple yet deeply flavorful. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs Spaghetti, (about 1 oz total) Anchovy fillets, Capers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 4 (about 1 oz total) Anchovy fillets
- 2 tbsp Capers
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped Fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup Pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 anchovy fillets and 2 tbsp capers, mashing them with a fork until dissolved into the oil.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta evenly and thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra parsley for garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sicilian-Style Pasta with Anchovy and Capers take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sicilian-Style Pasta with Anchovy and Capers?
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 Sicilian-Style Pasta with Anchovy and Capers?
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 Sicilian-Style Pasta with Anchovy and Capers 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 Sicilian-Style Pasta with Anchovy and Capers?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My husband and kids devoured this! The anchovy really deepened the flavor. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
This dish was a hit at my dinner party! The anchovy flavor was perfect without being overpowering.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the caper tang, but the pasta was a bit overcooked for my taste. Still, 4 stars.
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