16 Pasta with Anchovies Recipes

In Italy, anchovies are a popular choice for adding savory depth to pasta recipes. Their rich umami flavor enhances simple sauces and elevates ingredients such as olive oil, vegetables, and breadcrumbs.

Contrary to what some might expect, anchovies do not add a fishy taste. Instead, they add a sharp slightly salty quality that complements and balances the flavors in recipes.

Anchovies are healthy too!

Anchovies are also very nutritious and have many vitamins and minerals that provide major health benefits. Best known as a source of Omega-3 fatty acids, anchovies are loaded with protein. In addition, they are an excellent source of calcium, selenium, niacin, vitamin B12, potassium and vitamin A!

Apart from their flavor-enhancing properties, anchovies are an excellent pantry staple. Typically preserved in oil, they have a long shelf life. Italians often use them in traditional pasta recipes, including quick "midnight pasta" that incorporates other pantry staples. This is why you will find that most of these anchovy pasta recipes take under 45 minutes to make!

Anchovy Pasta Recipes

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1) Spaghetti alla Gennaro

This anchovy pasta recipe is known as spaghetti alla Gennaro and is a simple and flavorful dish from Naples. It's named after the city's patron saint and combines just a few ingredients: spaghetti, anchovies, garlic, bread, oregano, and basil. This recipe is a classic midnight pasta from the South that is delicious, quick and easy to make!

2) Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

This spaghetti alla puttanesca recipe is a popular Italian dish that combines bold Mediterranean flavors with a quick, simple preparation. It features anchovies, capers, olives, and chili, which make the sauce a perfect balance of savory, salty, tangy, and spicy. Puttanesca is ideal for weeknight dinners or any time you want a quick, flavorful pasta dish.

3) Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

This pasta recipe is a simple and quick dish that takes just 40 minutes to prepare using 8 common Mediterranean ingredients. It's an ideal choice for a family dinner, a side dish, or for those following the Mediterranean diet. Plus, you can also enjoy this versatile dish as a pasta salad, making it a great option for different occasions.

4) Olive and Tuna Spaghetti all’Ascolana

Spaghetti all’Ascolana is a flavorful olive, anchovy and tuna spaghetti recipe from Ascoli Piceno in Italy’s Marche region. The dish features Ascolana olives, which are large green olives typical of the area. While these olives are the star of the dish, other types of large green olives can be used to achieve delicious results.

5) Cavatelli Pasta with Senise Peppers (Peperoni Cruschi)

This unique Basilicata pasta recipe highlights the rich flavor of Senise peppers, locally known as peperoni cruschi. These peppers add a sweet, slightly nutty, and smoky flavor that sets this dish apart. Their bold flavor allows this traditional recipe to remain simple to make, using only six ingredients and taking just 30 minutes to prepare.

6) Pasta with Breadcrumbs Recipe from Basilicata

Pasta with breadcrumbs and anchovies is one of the simplest and quickest Southern Italian dishes, ready in just 20-30 minutes. This recipe pairs the salty richness of anchovies with the satisfying crunch of toasted breadcrumbs. It’s a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting late-night meal.

7) Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe (rapini) from Puglia

Orecchiette with broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a traditional Apulian pasta dish made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. The tender broccoli rabe pairs perfectly with anchovies, garlic, and crunchy breadcrumbs. This easy-to-make meal is ready in just 30 minutes!

8) Pasta with Truffles and Mascarpone Cream

This luxurious Italian tagliolini with truffles and mascarpone cream is a truly decadent pasta dish. With just 4 ingredients beyond the pasta, it’s simple to prepare yet delivers a restaurant-worthy experience. Ready in 30 minutes, this elegant meal is perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or birthdays, adding a touch of indulgence to any celebration.

9) Tuna and Anchovy Vermicelli (alla Campolattaro)

This tuna and anchovy vermicelli recipe from Naples is a dish from the 19th century, created by a Neapolitan Marquis. Combining the rich flavors of tuna and anchovies with a savory broth-based sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to entertaining guests with an authentic taste of Naples.

10) Pasta alla Pizzaiola Recipe from Puglia

Pasta alla Pizzaiola is a Southern Italian dish inspired by the flavors of pizza marinara, which gives it its name. While most versions originate in Naples, variations are also traditional in regions like Basilicata, Sicily, and Campania. This flavorful pasta recipe can be served baked or not baked.

11) Sardine Pasta Recipe from Sicily

This sardine pasta recipe from Sicily brings the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. A dish with origins dating back to 800 AD, it combines fresh sardines, fennel, saffron, raisins, and pine nuts for a balance of savory and sweet. Perfect for those who love seafood pasta, and is a must-try for fans of traditional Sicilian cuisine.

12) Cavatelli Pasta with Puntarelle and Burrata

Many Romans love puntarelle, the flower shoots of Catalonian chicory, and this puntarelle pasta with burrata shows why. The unique, slightly bitter flavor of the puntarelle pairs perfectly with the creamy richness of burrata. Combined with anchovies, garlic, and toasted breadcrumbs, this dish delivers an irresistible flavor combination.

13) Pasta with Romanesco Broccoli Recipe

This orecchiette pasta with Romanesco broccoli is based on a traditional recipe from Puglia. The dish is simple to prepare, combining nutritious and flavorful Romanesco with the unique texture of orecchiette. If Romanesco isn’t available, other types of broccoli can be used!

14) Chifferi Elbow Pasta with Cannellini Beans and Tuna

This chifferi elbow pasta with cannellini beans and tuna is a delicious and healthy recipe. It's made with simple pantry staples and is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days when you want a wholesome and satisfying dish. Although it is rarely found in restaurants, it is a hidden gem of Italian home cooking.

15) Romanesco broccoli pasta soup

This Romanesco broccoli pasta soup is both warming and healthy, making it perfect for chilly winter days. Its comforting flavors make it a standout dish from the very first spoonful. It's ideal for cold seasons and is a tasty way to stay nourished and warm, especially during a long winter.

16) Pasta Frittata from Basilicata

Enjoy a taste of Basilicata cuisine with this traditional Italian pasta frittata. This creative yet simple pasta dish is made with just a few ingredients and can be ready in only 25 minutes. Whether you're in a rush or simply want to enjoy a classic Italian recipe, this frittata delivers great flavor with minimal fuss.

Spaghetti alla Colatura - Italian Fish Sauce Pasta

Spaghetti alla Colatura is a no-cook aglio olio pasta elevated by the addition of colatura, an aged anchovy fish sauce from Italy. This delicacy brings a rich umami depth to the dish, making it an exceptional variation of a simple classic. This recipe is quick, easy, and a must-try if you can find this unique ingredient. It’s a perfect addition to any anchovy pasta repertoire!

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• Quick Pasta Recipes (Under 30 Minutes)

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