Why Make This Recipe
Butter Pasta with Anchovies is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be made in under 20 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy pasta with a twist. The anchovies melt into the butter, adding a rich umami flavor that transforms basic pasta into something special. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort.
How to Make Butter Pasta with Anchovies
Ingredients:
- Pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- Anchovies
- Butter
- Garlic (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- If using, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute.
- Add anchovies and break them up until they dissolve into the butter.
- Drain pasta (reserve some water) and add to the skillet, tossing to coat.
- If dry, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
How to Serve Butter Pasta with Anchovies
Serve Butter Pasta with Anchovies hot. You can top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Garnishing with chopped parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. This dish goes well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store Butter Pasta with Anchovies
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra butter to prevent it from drying out.
Tips to Make Butter Pasta with Anchovies
- Use high-quality anchovies for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the reserved pasta water; it helps create a creamy sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the quantity of anchovies based on your taste preference.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten the dish.
Variation
For a twist, you can add cooked vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the dish. If you like some heat, try adding red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. You can also substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options.
2. Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, many kids enjoy pasta, and the flavor of anchovies is mild when dissolved into the sauce.
3. Can I make this dish vegan?
You can replace the butter with vegan butter and skip the Parmesan cheese, or use a plant-based alternative.
Butter Pasta with Anchovies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200 grams Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) Choose your preferred type of pasta
- 4 fillets Anchovies Use high-quality anchovies for best flavor
- 50 grams Butter Can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter version
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced, optional if you want a garlic flavor
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese Freshly grated, optional for serving
- to taste Parsley Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- If using, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute.
- Add anchovies and break them up until they dissolve into the butter.
- Drain pasta (reserve some pasta water) and add to the skillet, tossing to coat.
- If the dish is dry, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.