Christmas Eve Spaghetti with Anchovies
Celebrate the magic of the holidays with this simple yet flavorful Christmas Eve Spaghetti with Anchovies. This traditional Italian-inspired dish is a perfect blend of pantry staples and festive flavors, making it an ideal addition to your holiday menu. Tender spaghetti is coated in a luscious sauce of golden garlic, olive oil, and umami-packed anchovies, elevated by a hint of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. A finishing touch of toasted breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch, while fresh parsley brightens each bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for creating a cozy, stress-free dinner that brings everyone around the table. Whether you're looking for an authentic Christmas Eve dish or a quick yet elegant pasta recipe, this savory spaghetti will transport your taste buds straight to an Italian holiday feast!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 8 pieces anchovy fillets in oil
- 4 units garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs, toasted
- to taste salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil, and add a generous pinch of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the spaghetti aside.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the anchovy fillets to the pan and use a wooden spoon to break them up as they heat. Stir until the anchovies dissolve into the oil, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds to bloom their flavor.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the strands evenly in the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Sprinkle in the freshly chopped parsley and toasted breadcrumbs, then toss again to distribute evenly.
Season with salt (if needed, as anchovies are salty) and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnishing with extra parsley or breadcrumbs if desired. Enjoy this festive dish with friends and family on Christmas Eve!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2117 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 108.1 g | 139% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.8 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 8771 mg | 381% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 210.1 g | 76% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.8 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 76.7 g | 153% | |
| Vitamin D | 16.0 mcg | 80% | |
| Calcium | 334 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 16.0 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 829 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
