Spaghetti Alla Sheila
Spaghetti Alla Sheila is a flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring a savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, olives, capers, anchovies, and red pepper flakes. Its bold, briny flavors make it perfect for those who enjoy a hearty, Mediterranean-inspired meal with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb 12 oz) can Italian style peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives ⓘ
- 2 tsp capers ⓘ
- 1 tsp crushed dried red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- pinch black pepper ⓘ
- 2 oz can anchovies, drained, blotted dry and cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1 lb spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over low heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute without browning.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes with juice, chopped olives, capers, red pepper flakes, oregano, and black pepper.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring to break up the tomatoes, until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped anchovies and parsley, and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add salt to taste.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water for about 5 minutes until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti well and toss with the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder sauce, reduce the crushed red pepper or omit the anchovies. Black olives can be substituted with green olives if desired. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply skip the anchovies. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked shrimp or chicken. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes that feature fresh ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spaghetti Alla Sheila with a sprinkle of extra parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A side of garlic bread complements this dish perfectly, along with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a glass of Italian red wine to enhance the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to a skillet over low heat, then add the pasta and sauce, stirring until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, covering it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Alla Sheila contains roughly 240 calories, with 9g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (97% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2217mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing it with freshly cooked spaghetti. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
What can I use instead of spaghetti?
If you prefer a different pasta, you can substitute spaghetti with penne or linguine. Both options will work well with the sauce. For a low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash are great choices that maintain the essence of the dish.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
To make Spaghetti Alla Sheila vegetarian, simply omit the anchovies. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the tomatoes, olives, and spices. You can also add more vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to enhance the nutritional value and taste.
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).