Tomato-Anchovy Pasta with Fresh Basil
A quick pasta dish with umami-rich anchovies and bright basil in a simple tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, anchovy fillets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 can (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 anchovy fillets
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 anchovy fillets, cooking for 2 minutes until anchovies dissolve.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can crushed tomatoes and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss until coated, then stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Anchovy Pasta with Fresh Basil 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 Tomato-Anchovy Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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 Tomato-Anchovy Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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 Tomato-Anchovy Pasta with Fresh Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Tomato-Anchovy Pasta with Fresh Basil gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
