Description
This vibrant Red Pepper & Anchovy Spaghetti combines the richness of roasted red peppers and the umami punch of anchovies with a hint of garlic and chilli flakes. Tossed in olive oil and fresh basil, this simple yet flavorful pasta dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 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 pasta: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, then stir in the spaghetti. Cook for 1 minute less than the pack instructions indicate to ensure it stays al dente.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a separate saucepan or high-sided frying pan set over medium heat, add the olive oil, sliced garlic, anchovies, and chilli flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until the oil is hot and the garlic starts to sizzle, allowing the anchovies to melt into the oil.
- Add peppers and tomato purée: Stir in the drained roasted red peppers and tomato purée. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, while the pasta finishes cooking. Add a ladleful of pasta cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a silky consistency.
- Combine pasta and sauce: When the spaghetti is ready, use tongs to transfer it directly from the cooking water to the pepper and anchovy sauce. Add more pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce. Toss and cook the spaghetti in the sauce for 30 seconds to coat it thoroughly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from the heat and toss through the finely sliced basil. Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra olive oil for added richness and shine.
Notes
- Use good-quality anchovies for a richer umami flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chilli flakes according to your spice preference.
- Adding pasta cooking water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic touch—feel free to substitute with parsley if preferred.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.
- 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 dish, garlic pasta, spicy pasta, basil spaghetti, simple pasta sauce
