Anchovy Butter Pasta
Anchovy Butter Pasta is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 840 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Loves Company on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $7.60 total, $1.90 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Spaghetti (dry, high‑quality durum wheat)
- 225 g Unsalted Butter (high‑fat (84% butterfat), cut into cubes)
- 12 fillets Anchovy Fillets (canned in oil, high quality; adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Salt (for pasta water; sea salt preferred)
Instructions
Boil Pasta Water
Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tbsp salt, bring to a rolling boil, then add 500 g spaghetti.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 100°C
Melt Butter and Add Anchovies
While the pasta cooks, place 225 g butter in a large skillet over low‑medium heat. When melted, add 12 anchovy fillets and stir gently.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Create the Emulsion
Add one ladle of reserved pasta water to the skillet, stirring until the anchovies dissolve and the sauce becomes smooth.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Finish Cooking Pasta in the Sauce
Drain the spaghetti, reserving a second ladle of pasta water. Transfer the pasta to the skillet, add the second ladle of water, and toss vigorously (la monte catura) until the pasta is coated and finishes cooking to al dente.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Plate and Garnish
Serve the spaghetti immediately, garnishing each plate with an extra anchovy fillet for visual appeal.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 840
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 88 g
- Fat
- 46 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Not Vegan, Contains Gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Fish, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spaghetti: Linguine, Tagliatelle
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Clarified butter (ghee), Olive oil (less rich)
- Instead of Anchovy Fillets: Anchovy paste (1 tsp), Soy sauce (1 tsp) for umami
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Ladle
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt butter without allowing it to brown.
- Fully dissolve anchovy fillets to create a smooth emulsion.
- Use starchy pasta water to bind butter and pasta.
- Finish cooking the pasta in the sauce to achieve a silky coating.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use the highest‑quality butter you can find – the richer the butter, the silkier the sauce.
- If you can’t find whole anchovy fillets, use anchovy paste (about 1 tsp) for the same umami punch.
- Reserve at least two ladles of pasta water before draining; the starch is essential for emulsification.
- Toss the pasta continuously; the motion helps the sauce cling to every strand.
Troubleshooting
Sauce separates or looks oily.
Reduce heat, add a little more pasta water, and whisk vigorously to re‑emulsify.
Pasta is dry and sticks together.
Add extra pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, and continue tossing.
Butter browns or burns.
Turn the heat down to low and give the butter time to melt slowly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of water.
Freezer: Not recommended – butter‑based sauce may separate after freezing.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; does not keep well at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Measure and cube the butter ahead of time.
- Drain and reserve pasta water in a heat‑proof pitcher.
- Anchovy fillets can be pre‑patted into a small bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Spaghetti with Butter and Anchovies in Roman cuisine?
The dish reflects the Roman love for simple, high‑quality ingredients. Historically, Roman cooks would finish pasta in a pan with butter and anchovies, letting the starchy water create a luxurious emulsion that highlights umami without heavy cream.
What are the traditional regional variations of butter‑and‑anchovy pasta in Italy?
In coastal Lazio, fresh anchovies are sometimes replaced with anchovy paste, while in the north butter may be mixed with olive oil for a lighter mouthfeel. Some families add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
How is Spaghetti with Butter and Anchovies traditionally served in Rome?
It is typically served as a primo (first course) in a modest family setting, often accompanied by a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine such as Frascati.
What occasions or celebrations is Spaghetti with Butter and Anchovies associated with in Italian culture?
Because it requires only two premium ingredients, it is a favorite for quick weekday meals but also appears on modest holiday tables when chefs want to showcase pure flavor without elaborate preparation.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Spaghetti with Butter and Anchovies?
Pair it with a light antipasto of marinated olives, a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon, and a crisp white wine. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a roasted chicken or grilled fish.
What makes Spaghetti with Butter and Anchovies special in Roman cuisine?
The dish epitomizes the Roman principle of "less is more" – high‑quality butter and anchovies create a deep umami flavor, while pasta water binds everything into a silky coating without any cream or cheese.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spaghetti with Butter and Anchovies at home?
Common errors include overheating the butter so it browns, not using enough pasta water which leads to a dry sauce, and over‑cooking the pasta before it finishes in the pan, resulting in a mushy texture.
Why does this recipe use butter and anchovies instead of olive oil for the sauce?
Butter provides a rich, creamy mouthfeel that olive oil alone cannot achieve, while anchovies add a deep umami punch. The combination creates a sauce that feels luxurious yet remains simple.
Can I make Spaghetti with Butter and Anchovies ahead of time and how should I store it?
You can prepare the butter‑anchovy mixture and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, add fresh pasta water, and toss with freshly cooked spaghetti for best results.
What does the YouTube channel Food Loves Company specialize in?
Food Loves Company focuses on approachable, comfort‑food recipes that highlight simple techniques and high‑quality ingredients, often putting a creative twist on classic dishes from around the world.
How does the YouTube channel Food Loves Company's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Food Loves Company emphasizes minimal ingredient lists and home‑friendly methods, avoiding heavy equipment or hard‑to‑find items, while still preserving authentic flavors, unlike some channels that rely on elaborate preparations.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
