SouthernTurk
Unusual recipes for curious cooks.
https://www.southernturk.versust.com/recipe/anchovy-butter-pasta-2
Printed September 1, 2026
Printed September 1, 2026
5-Ingredient Magic
Anchovy Butter Pasta
Five ingredients become pure Italian magic in this umami-bomb of a pasta. The anchovies melt into liquid gold, and skeptics become believers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti or bucatini
- 8-10 anchovy fillets packed in oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for serving
Preparation
This is the pasta I make when I want maximum flavor with minimum effort. The anchovies dissolve completely, leaving behind only deep, savory richness that coats every strand.
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the anchovies with their oil.
- Using a wooden spoon, press and stir the anchovies until they completely dissolve into the butter, creating a glossy sauce (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously to create a silky coating (add more pasta water if needed).
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with a generous pinch of red pepper flakes and torn fresh parsley.
Secret: Don't tell anchovy-skeptics what's in this until after they've had their first bite and fallen in love.
