Indulge in a culinary journey with our exquisite Pasta with Anchovies and Spinach, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This classic Italian dish, also known as Pasta con le Acciughe e Spinaci, is a delightful combination of briny anchovies, tender spinach, and aromatic garlic, all harmoniously blended with the richness of olive oil and the comforting embrace of pasta. Alongside this signature recipe, we present a tempting array of variations, each offering a unique twist on this timeless dish. From the vibrant spiciness of the Puttanesca-Inspired Pasta to the creamy indulgence of the Anchovy and Spinach Pasta with Creamy Vodka Sauce, and the refreshing lightness of the Linguine with Anchovies, Lemon, and Breadcrumbs, our collection caters to diverse palates and preferences. Embark on this culinary adventure and discover the delectable possibilities that await.
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PASTA WITH A ANCHOVY, SPINACH AND PINE NUT SAUCE
This recipe actually originated from a collaboration between my girlfriend (who lives in Italy) and myself one night. She was visiting, and after spending the day at the beach we were starving. Well, other than a few pantry items, a couple of slices of a baguette, 1 fresh tomato and not much else this was the end result. We came up with this amazing angel hair pasta, frozen spinach, pine nuts (yes, I always have them in the freezer), of course some parmesan, and lastly anchovies (yes, I keep those too, I add them to many sauces). Well we made this pasta which was great, grilled the baguette and broiled the tomato slices with nothing more than a little balsamic, olive oil, s/p and fresh basil. Dinner was amazing and so was this pasta. Now this is a light pasta dish, but has so much flavor. I actually like to serve this as a side dish sometimes if you don't want to serve it as a main dish. It is great as a side with grilled fish like, Halibut, Cod, Tilapia or even grilled scallops. I like use a lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper marinade for the seafood to keep it simple which goes well with the pasta. Give it a try, I know you will really enjoy it. I never really liked anchovies until I tried them toasted or sauteed - they get nutty and sweet. This is literally a 20 minute great dish and serves 4 for a pretty good price. As I said, some fresh tomatoes, grilled bread and dinner in a hurry for family or friends.
Provided by SarasotaCook
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 20m
Yield 4 Plate Servings, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Spinach -- Just thaw and squeeze dry and set to the side. It will take only a couple of minutes to heat up in the sauce.
- Pasta -- Again, takes just minutes for Angel Hair pasta to cook so make sure you sauce is done or at least started. This dish only takes minutes.
- For the pasta cook according to directions - a large pot of salted water. when done, drain and set to the side to keep warm.
- Sauce -- In a large saute pan, add the oil and and bring to a medium high heat. Add the pine nuts and toast until golden brown. They will only take a minute and stir often. Remove to a paper towel to let them drain. Then add the garlic and shallot and cook two minutes until they start to get golden brown, add the anchovies and cook another minute. Add the spinach breaking it up as you add it to the pan along with the butter and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Pine Nuts -- I take about 1/2 or a little less and break them up a bit. You can just use the back of a fork or you can put them in a baggie and just hit them with the bottom of a pan or bowl to slightly crush them. You just want to break them up a bit.
- Finishing -- Pasta should be done and drained. Simply add the pasta to the sauce pan along with the pine nuts, lemon juice and zest and toss well.
- Garnish with fresh grated parmesan. Literally a 20 minute dish and absolutely delish! And if you think you didn't like anchovies, you will.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 753.6, Fat 32.7, SaturatedFat 8.4, Cholesterol 29.7, Sodium 483, Carbohydrate 94, Fiber 8.2, Sugar 4.4, Protein 24.1
MIDNIGHT PASTA WITH ANCHOVIES, GARLIC AND TOMATO
Tomato paste gives this speedy midnight pasta, studded with anchovy and garlic, its color and umami. If you're not an anchovy fan, you can substitute a few tablespoons of chopped capers or olives. Be generous when adding the pasta water to the pan. The mixture should look soupy at first, but the sauce will thicken up as you toss.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories pastas, main course
Time 25m
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook, according to package directions, until about 2 minutes shy of al dente so the pasta can finish cooking in the sauce. It should still have a slight crunch in the center. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, combine the oil, garlic, anchovies (if using), red-pepper flakes and pinch of salt over low heat. Cook until garlic is opaque and a few of the slices are pale gold at the edges (don't let the garlic turn brown), 2 to 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook until it darkens, about 1 minute longer.
- Add the drained pasta, lemon zest and 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta water to skillet. Stir until the pasta is al dente and well coated with sauce. Add more pasta water, if needed, until the sauce is glossy and the pasta cooked to taste.
- Cut the zested lemon half in half (so you'll have a quarter of a lemon) and squeeze some juice into pasta. Stir in herbs and taste, adding more lemon juice and salt, if needed. Cut remaining lemon into wedges and serve it alongside the pasta, which should be garnished with more herbs and red-pepper flakes, a drizzle of oil and a generous sprinkle of cheese, if you like.
PASTA WITH 15-MINUTE GARLIC, OIL, AND ANCHOVY SAUCE
This version of aglio e olio (garlic and oil) sauce includes anchovies, red pepper flakes, and freshly toasted breadcrumbs, which add great flavor and a little crunch.
Provided by Mindy Fox
Categories Pasta Kid-Friendly Quick & Easy Parmesan Anchovy Small Plates
Yield 4-6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook spaghettini in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain, reserving 3 Tbsp. pasta cooking liquid.
- Meanwhile, cook anchovies, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 cup oil, and a pinch of salt in a large skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until anchovies dissolve and garlic is tender, 6-7 minutes (do not brown). Stir in parsley, then remove from heat.
- While anchovy sauce is cooking, heat remaining 3 Tbsp. oil in a small skillet over medium. Add panko and cook, stirring often, until golden, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to paper towels to cool.
- Return pasta to pot. Stir in reserved pasta cooking liquid, then anchovy sauce and half of the panko mixture. Cook over medium, stirring constantly, until heated through, 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with Parmesan and remaining panko mixture.
Tips for a Perfect Pasta with Anchovies and Spinach:
- Choose the right anchovies: Opt for high-quality anchovies preserved in oil. Look for anchovies that are plump and have a deep reddish-brown color.
- Don't be afraid of anchovies: Their flavor mellows when cooked, adding a subtle briny and umami taste to the dish.
- Cook the anchovies briefly: Overcooking can make them tough and bitter. Cook them just until they start to break down and release their flavor.
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach has a more vibrant flavor and texture than frozen or wilted spinach. However, if using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the dish.
- Don't overcook the spinach: Spinach cooks quickly, so add it to the pasta towards the end of the cooking time. Overcooking can make it slimy and lose its bright green color.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors of the dish and adds a refreshing touch.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the pasta. It's a classic pairing that enhances the overall taste.
Conclusion:
Pasta with anchovies and spinach is a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients. The combination of briny anchovies, earthy spinach, and tangy lemon juice creates a harmonious balance of flavors. With a few pantry staples and some fresh produce, you can easily prepare this delightful dish at home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give pasta with anchovies and spinach a try. You won't be disappointed!
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