Pasta With Anchovy And Onion

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

A savory pasta dish featuring anchovies and onions, enriched with cream and cheese, perfect for lovers of bold flavors and quick, satisfying meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. pasta
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 1 (2 oz.) can flat anchovies
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream
  • Parmesan or Romano cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions.
  2. Rinse anchovies in lukewarm water and place in milk; soak for 30 minutes.
  3. Drain anchovies and discard the milk.
  4. Saute diced onion and crushed garlic in olive oil until translucent.
  5. Remove anchovies from milk, dice them, and add to the pan.
  6. Cook for several minutes until anchovies begin to come apart.
  7. Add spaghetti sauce and whipping cream; mix thoroughly.
  8. Season with fresh ground pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan or Romano cheese.
  9. Serve the sauce over the cooked pasta.

Tips & Substitutions

For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of anchovies or use a non-fish alternative like capers. If you're looking for a creamy texture, consider adding more whipping cream. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the dish's freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple side salad for balance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta dish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan or Romano cheese on top. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a more filling option, consider serving it alongside Stuffed Shells Or Manicotti for a delicious Italian feast.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pasta With Anchovy And Onion contains roughly 592 calories, with 19g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 644mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

592 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.4g 39% DV
Total Fat 23.8g 31% DV
Carbs 86.1g 31% DV
Fiber 16.5g 59% DV
Sugar 11.1g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 643.7mg 28% DV
Potassium 1002.1mg 21% DV
Cholesterol 21.8mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 117.5mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 2.9mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.6mcg 3% DV
Calcium 464mg 36% DV
Iron 9.2mg 51% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh anchovies instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh anchovies if available. Just ensure they are cleaned and filleted before adding them to the dish. Fresh anchovies will provide a different texture and flavor, which can enhance the overall dish.

What can I substitute for pasta?

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta. For a low-carb alternative, spaghetti squash works wonderfully as well. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the substitute you choose.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the anchovies and replace the spaghetti sauce with a robust marinara. You can enhance the umami flavor by adding mushrooms or olives. This way, you still enjoy a rich and satisfying meal without the fish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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