Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Anchovies (Pasta con Pomodorini e Alici)
A delightful combination of fresh anchovies, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Anchovies recipe is a perfect dish for any occasion. It is a beautiful blend of Mediterranean flavors, offering a rich, savory taste that pairs wonderfully with gluten-free tagliatelle. This recipe is light yet packed with vibrant flavors, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Here’s how you can create this flavorful and simple dish for yourself and your loved ones.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Tagliatelle | 300g |
| Cherry Tomatoes (Datterini) | 600g |
| Fresh Anchovies (Alici) | 250g |
| Capers (Frutti di Cappero) | 15g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Red Onion | 1 |
| Fresh Chili Pepper | ½ |
| Fresh Parsley | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
To begin with, take the fresh anchovies and remove the central bone if they are semi-cleaned (as we did). If your anchovies are not cleaned, simply follow a cleaning guide to remove the bones and guts. Next, prepare the other ingredients:
- Clean and deseed the fresh chili pepper, then chop it finely.
- Rinse the capers thoroughly, remove their stems, and cut them into quarters.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes, then slice them in half.
- Peel and slice the red onion thinly.
- Chop the fresh parsley for garnish.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, red chili, capers, and red onion. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The aim is to let the flavors mingle and infuse the oil, creating a fragrant base for the sauce. Keep an eye on the heat and make sure the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 3: Cooking the Tomatoes and Anchovies
Once the garlic and onion have softened, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan along with a pinch of salt. Let the tomatoes cook down and release their juices for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the tomatoes are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the gluten-free pasta. Add the tagliatelle to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, which should take about 7-8 minutes for al dente results.
Step 4: Adding the Anchovies
As the tomato sauce starts to come together, gently add the anchovies to the skillet. Allow them to simmer for 2-3 minutes, just long enough to infuse the sauce with their flavor. Be careful not to stir too vigorously to avoid breaking up the anchovies into mush. They should dissolve into the sauce, leaving behind a rich, savory taste.
Step 5: Combining the Pasta and Sauce
Once your pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a bit of the pasta water. Add the cooked tagliatelle directly into the pan with the tomato and anchovy sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce. If needed, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to help create a smooth and silky consistency.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for an aromatic lift. Give everything one last gentle toss. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or olive oil if needed.
Step 7: Serving
Your Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Anchovies is now ready to be served! Plate the pasta, making sure to drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil over the top for an extra touch of flavor. Optionally, sprinkle with some more chopped parsley for added freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish.
Tips:
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Make sure to choose a high-quality gluten-free tagliatelle to ensure the best texture and flavor. You can also use other gluten-free pasta varieties, such as spaghetti or penne, if preferred.
- Anchovies: Fresh anchovies will give the best flavor, but you can also use canned anchovies if fresh ones are unavailable.
- Adjusting Heat: The fresh chili adds a bit of heat to this dish, but you can always omit or reduce the amount to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Protein | 21g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sugars | 5g |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Anchovies is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and spicy. The anchovies lend a unique depth of flavor, while the cherry tomatoes offer a touch of sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or simply looking for a light yet flavorful meal, this dish delivers on all fronts. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make pasta dish that will impress guests and satisfy family members alike.
So, next time you’re craving something simple yet delicious, try making this recipe from Love With Recipes for a taste of Mediterranean-inspired goodness that’s perfect for any meal.
