Description
A classic Southern Italian pasta dish featuring anchovies, garlic, chili flakes, lemon, and crispy breadcrumbs. This quick and flavorful recipe delivers bold umami richness with a refreshing citrus lift and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups cubed stale French or Italian bread
- ⅔ cup olive oil, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 cans anchovies in oil (2 ounces each)
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt, for pasta water
Instructions
- Place cubed bread in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, heat ⅓ cup olive oil over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly, until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat remaining ⅓ cup olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, anchovies, and chili flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until anchovies melt into the oil and mixture is fragrant.
- Pour in reserved pasta water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 4–5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add cooked spaghetti, parsley, parmesan cheese, and toasted breadcrumbs to the skillet. Toss until pasta is well coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use bucatini or linguine for variation in texture.
- Omit parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Add sautéed cherry tomatoes for sweetness.
- Breadcrumbs can be toasted in advance and stored in an airtight container.
- Adjust chili flakes for desired heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
