Spaghetti with Tomato, Garlic, and Anchovy Sauce

28/11/2020 by Living the Gourmet 27 Comments

If you’re looking for an easy pasta recipe that delivers big flavors and rustic old appear, our Spaghetti with Tomato, Garlic, and Anchovy Sauce has got you covered. In this recipe, we're using super simple pantry staples to create a dish that's both delicious and delightfully straightforward to prepare.

Picture this: plump, perfectly cooked spaghetti strands enveloped in a velvety tomato sauce, where the vibrant notes of crushed tomatoes intermingle with the rich umami flavors of anchovies and the warmth of golden brown garlic. Similar to pasta puttanesca, this recipe a rustic combination that defines comfort and taste, delivering a satisfying experience in every bite. With just a handful of ingredients, and a couple of minutes of prep, this recipe proves that big flavors can be achieved with minimal effort.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its rich flavor profile but also in its versatility. It's a great way to elevate your pasta dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. The harmonious blend of pantry staples transforms into a sauce that's equally at home on a busy weeknight or as the star of a cozy weekend gathering.

As the fragrant sauce simmers to perfection, consider pairing your Spaghetti with Tomato, Garlic, and Anchovy Sauce with garlic bread or crisp breadsticks – ideal for soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce. And for those who appreciate the art of wine pairing, a glass of red wine will enhance the experience of the blissfully simple pasta dish.

Read on for an ingredient checklist, pairing suggestions, and some key variations to help make this recipe your own.

Ingredient Checklist – Everything You’ll Need

28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
- Notes: Opt for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Tips: Look for crushed tomatoes without added seasonings or herbs for better control over the sauce's flavor profile.
6 - 8 garlic cloves, crushed
- Notes: Use fresh, full garlic cloves for optimal flavor.
- Tips: Adjust the quantity of garlic based on your preference for garlic intensity.
- Idea: Consider sautéing the garlic cloves in garlic oil for enhanced garlicy flavor.
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- Notes: Choose a sweet red onion for balanced sweetness in the sauce.
- Tips: Slicing the onion thinly ensures even distribution of flavor.
2 oz. can of anchovy fillets in olive oil
- Notes: Whole anchovies add depth and umami to the sauce.
- Tips: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of anchovies.
- Substitution (1): For anchovy pasta recipes such as this one, anchovy paste substitutes at a rate of about 1 teaspoon per 2 to 3 fillets. However, do note that anchovy paste is quite salty, so you might want to account for this in the recipe.
- Substitution (2): If you don’t like the fishy taste of anchovies, you can use capers instead to achieve a similar ‘brine flavor’ but without the fishiness.
4 - 5 lemon slices with zest
- Notes: Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma. Fresh lemon juice can be added if your prefer more lemon flavor, or higher acidity in your pasta.
- Tips: Use a microplane grater to zest the lemon for fine and even zest.
¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- Notes: Freshly grated cheese offers superior flavor compared to pre-packaged.
- Tips: Adjust the cheese amount to your taste preference.
1½ tsp. salt
- Notes: Use kosher or sea salt for seasoning.
- Tips: Start with a smaller amount of salt and adjust as needed. A pinch of salt goes a long way when combined with anchovies.
1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
- Notes: Freshly ground black pepper enhances the sauce's aroma.
- Tips: Grind the pepper just before adding for the best flavor.
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
- Notes: A pinch of red pepper flakes add a subtle heat.
- Tips: Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Substitution: Your preferred type of chili flakes can stand in nicely, or even a pinch of cayenne if you prefer a spicier sauce.
1 tsp. dried oregano
- Notes: Dried oregano contributes to the sauce's Mediterranean flavor.
- Tips: Crush the dried oregano between your palms before adding to release its aroma.
½ tsp. sugar
- Notes: A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Tips: Adjust the sugar amount to taste, if necessary.
2 - 3 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
- Notes: High-quality olive oil enhances the dish's richness.
- Tips: Choose a fruity and robust extra-virgin olive oil for the best results.
Ricotta cheese
- Notes: Ricotta adds a creamy and tangy finish.
- Tips: Opt for fresh ricotta for optimal flavor and texture.
1 lb. your favorite type of pasta
- Notes: Choose a pasta shape that holds the sauce well, such as spaghetti or linguine.
- Tips: Cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture.
- Substitution: Your pasta of choice, cooked to the package instructions, there really is no ‘wrong’ answer to this one.
2 - 3 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Notes: Drizzling olive oil before serving adds richness and a glossy finish.
- Tips: Use the same high-quality olive oil used in the sauce for consistency.

Pairing Suggestions – Making the Meal Complete

Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements the bold flavors of the pasta. Spread a slice of toasted garlic bread with butter or olive oil for an irresistible side.
Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. The vibrant and tangy bruschetta balances the richness of the pasta.
Side Salad: A crisp and refreshing side salad brings a burst of freshness to the meal. Opt for a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or a Mediterranean-style salad with cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese.
Sauteed Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, broccoli, or asparagus make for nutritious and flavorful sides. Lightly season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon zest to harmonize with the pasta's flavors.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Roast cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. The roasted tomatoes add bursts of sweetness that complement the savory pasta.
Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as a light Pinot Noir or a Chianti, pairs beautifully with the umami notes of the anchovies and the rich tomato sauce.
Herbed Focaccia: Serve a slice of herbed focaccia alongside the pasta for a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

Variations – Getting Creative

Lemon Zest Infusion:
Stir in 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest into the sauce. The citrusy brightness of lemon zest will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sauce. It adds a zesty aroma and a touch of tanginess that pairs beautifully with the anchovies.
Nutty Crunch with Pine Nuts:
Toast about 2 tablespoons of pine nuts until golden brown and sprinkle them over the finished pasta. The toasted pine nuts bring a delightful crunch and a nutty undertone to each bite, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Creamy Anchovy Alfredo:
For a luxurious twist, blend ½ cup of heavy cream into the tomato sauce while simmering. This creates a creamy and velvety texture that complements the salty umami of the anchovies. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Spicy Arrabbiata Style:
If you're a fan of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or more. This will transform the dish into a spicy Arrabbiata-style pasta. The extra chili kick will balance out the savory flavors and give the dish an exciting edge.
Capers and Olives Medley:
To add a briny and slightly tangy twist to the classic recipe, consider incorporating capers and kalamata olives. This variation introduces the bold flavors of these two ingredients, enhancing the complexity of the dish. For this variation, consider fresh herbs such as fresh parsley and fresh basil.