Description
This flavorful Red Pepper & Anchovy Spaghetti is a quick and vibrant pasta dish that combines the savory depth of anchovies with the sweetness of roasted red peppers and a hint of heat from chili flakes. Perfect for a simple yet delicious weeknight meal, this recipe features garlic-infused olive oil and fresh basil to brighten every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 300g spaghetti
Sauce
- 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 4 anchovies
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 300g jar roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- handful of basil, finely sliced
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, then add the spaghetti. Cook for one minute less than the package instructions indicate to ensure the pasta remains al dente.
- Prepare the sauce base: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan or a high-sided frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, anchovies, and chili flakes. Cook for about one minute until the oil is hot and the garlic starts to sizzle slightly, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Add roasted peppers and tomato purée: Stir in the drained roasted red peppers and tomato purée. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors. Add a ladleful of the pasta cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce, allowing it to develop as the spaghetti finishes cooking.
- Combine pasta and sauce: When the spaghetti is just about ready, use tongs to transfer it directly from the boiling water to the sauce. Add a little more pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. Cook the spaghetti in the sauce for 30 seconds, tossing well to ensure every strand is coated with the vibrant sauce.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from heat and toss the pasta through the finely sliced fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately, drizzled with a little extra olive oil for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the anchovies fully dissolve in the oil for a smooth, savory flavor.
- Use fresh basil for the best aroma and taste; substitute with dried if necessary but add less.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chili flakes.
- Reserve extra pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency easily.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta of your choice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: red pepper spaghetti, anchovy pasta, quick pasta recipe, Italian pasta, garlic anchovy sauce, spicy pasta, basil pasta recipe
