Spaghetti with Anchovy, Garlic & Lemon

This combination between a couple different pasta dishes has been a weeknight staple for a while now. If you don’t like anchovies, feel free to take them out, but I think it adds something nice to a simple dish.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 package spaghetti
  • 3-4 anchovy fillets finely chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • Small bunch of fresh parsley finely chopped
  • Large pinch of chili flakes
  • Olive oil
  • 2-3 tbsp butter
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Parmesan grated

Instructions

  • Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente. Before draining, reserve a cup or two of pasta water.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and anchovies and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is golden and the anchovies have melted into the oil, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Add the parsley and chili flakes and stir to combine.
  • Add the drained pasta to the pan along with a splash of pasta water and the butter. Toss vigorously until the sauce emulsifies and coats the pasta, adding more pasta water as needed to loosen.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan if desired.