Spaghetti with Anchovy Caper Sauce and Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold pasta dish where salty anchovies and briny capers meld with garlic and chili flakes to create a deeply savory sauce coating al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 22 minutes blends spaghetti, olive oil, fillets, chopped anchovy fillets into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 chopped anchovy fillets and 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves, sauté for 2-3 minutes until garlic is fragrant and anchovies dissolve.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp drained capers and 1 tsp red chili flakes, cooking for another minute until the sauce is aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously to coat the strands evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, season with salt to taste and 1/2 tsp black pepper, fold in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1 tsp fresh lemon zest.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with an optional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spaghetti with Anchovy Caper Sauce and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spaghetti with Anchovy Caper Sauce and Chili?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spaghetti with Anchovy Caper Sauce and Chili?

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 Spaghetti with Anchovy Caper Sauce and Chili 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 Spaghetti with Anchovy Caper Sauce and Chili?

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.

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