TL/DR – Pasta with Parsley and Anchovies. This easy weeknight pasta is packed with flavor thanks to tons of fresh parsley, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice and a tin of anchovies in oil. –
Contrary to what are hopefully waning negative opinions surrounding anchovies, this recipe relies on the delicious anchovy as a source of amazing umami flavor. It doesn’t taste fishy at all and it positively rocks with fresh parsley, garlic and lemon.
Start by boiling some water for pasta. Salt the water gently, don’t overdo it. In a small food processor, make a paste from about a cup of packed fresh parsley leaves, the zest and juice of one lemon, a couple of garlic cloves, freshly ground black pepper and a tin of anchovies in oil. Add more extra virgin olive oil if necessary to loosen the paste just a bit.
Toss the paste with freshly cooked hot pasta and serve it immediately. If necessary, the paste can be made a day ahead. This is truly a weeknight staple in our house. Serve it with or without parmesan. Flavor wise, it doesn’t need it and it’s salty enough without the added cheese.
If you need more weeknight pasta inspiration, try Pasta with Spinach Herb Sauce or Pistachio Pesto Macaroni. For the same flavor combination over salmon, try Magic Baked Salmon.
Pasta with Parsley and Anchovies
This is a simple weeknight pasta packed with flavor from fresh parsley, lemon, garlic and anchovies.
Ingredients
- 1 c fresh parsley leaves, packed
- Zest of one lemon
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 2.5 oz tin anchovies in oil
- 2 - 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 t freshly ground pepper
- 1 - 2 T extra virgin olive oil
- 10 oz small pasta, any shape
Directions
- Step 1 Heat the pasta water and salt it gently with only 2 t salt.
- Step 2 While the water comes to a boil, in a small food processor, process the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, anchovies with their oil, garlic and fresh pepper. It should form a nice, thick paste, but it might need 1 – 2 T additional olive oil at your discretion. Process it three times, scraping down the sides between each. Set the paste aside or refrigerate it overnight. It will keep for a day.
- Step 3 Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain it and toss it immediately with the parsley anchovy paste. Serve immediately.
