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Red Pepper & Anchovy Spaghetti Recipe

4.8 from 53 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful red pepper and anchovy spaghetti dish featuring roasted red peppers, anchovies, garlic, and chili flakes, tossed in olive oil and fresh basil for a deliciously simple Italian-inspired meal.

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

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions to keep it slightly firm (al dente).
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan or high-sided frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, anchovies, and chili flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until the oil is hot and the garlic starts to sizzle lightly.
  3. Add Peppers and Tomato Purée: Stir in the drained and sliced roasted red peppers along with 1 tablespoon of tomato purée. Continue cooking the mixture gently, stirring occasionally.
  4. Loosen Sauce with Pasta Water: As the pasta finishes cooking, add a ladleful of the reserved pasta cooking water to the sauce to loosen it and develop a smooth texture.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Using tongs, transfer the drained spaghetti directly from the cooking water into the sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to help coat the pasta evenly. Cook together for 30 seconds while tossing to combine the flavors thoroughly.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and gently toss in the finely sliced basil. Serve immediately, drizzled with extra olive oil for added richness and flavor.

Notes

  • Use good quality anchovies as they melt into the oil and provide a rich umami flavor without being overpowering.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chili flakes.
  • Reserving pasta water is essential as its starch helps create a silky sauce that adheres to the spaghetti.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.

Keywords: spaghetti, red pepper, anchovy, Italian pasta, quick pasta recipe, garlic, roasted peppers, basil, chili flakes