Sicilian Spaghetti with Anchovies and Cherry Tomatoes (Spagatata)

Name: Sicilian Spaghetti with Anchovies and Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 4 anchovy fillets in oil; 1 lb spaghetti; 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 20 oz cherry tomatoes; salt, to taste; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste; 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Shaved Parmesan cheese, for serving

This Sicilian spaghetti combines melted anchovies, garlic, and mashed cherry tomatoes in a light olive oil sauce finished with fresh basil and parsley. It's a 20-minute authentic Italian dish that delivers bold umami flavor without cream or meat.

🌍Italian 🏷️Spaghetti 🏷️Pasta 🏷️Sicilian 🏷️Anchovy Cherry tomato

🏷️

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TikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

-0:00

TikTok

Ingredients

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 anchovy fillets in oil
1 lb spaghetti
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
20 oz cherry tomatoes
salt, to taste
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Shaved Parmesan cheese, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a generous amount of olive oil.
2
Add the anchovy fillets to the hot oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until they melt and dissolve into the oil.
3
While the sauce starts, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
4
Add the sliced garlic to the skillet with the anchovy oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
5
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
6
As the tomatoes begin to soften, use a spatula or spoon to gently mash them, releasing their juices to create the sauce.
7
Once the tomatoes are mashed and the sauce is simmering, season with a small amount of salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
8
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9
Drain the cooked spaghetti and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
10
Pour the hot tomato and anchovy sauce directly over the spaghetti.
11
Add the chopped fresh basil and parsley to the bowl.
12
Using tongs, toss everything together until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce and herbs.
13
Serve immediately, topping with shaved Parmesan cheese if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Slice garlic thin and cook slowly in oil at medium-low heat until soft and fragrant—rushing or high heat will burn it and turn the dish bitter.
Lightly mash the cherry tomatoes as they hit the pan to break them down and release their juice, creating a light, silky sauce.
Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining; add 2–3 tablespoons to the sauce when tossing with spaghetti to emulsify the oil and coat the pasta evenly.
Stir in fresh basil and parsley just before serving to preserve their bright, herbaceous flavor.

Substitutions

Extra virgin olive oil → light olive oil or grapeseed oil (less fruity, milder flavor but works)
Cherry tomatoes → crushed canned San Marzano tomatoes (use 14 oz; reduce simmering time to 5 minutes)
Fresh basil and parsley → dried oregano (1 teaspoon total; add during cooking rather than at the end)
Red pepper flakes → black pepper only (dish will be less spicy but still flavorful)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat with a splash of water; add fresh herbs before serving.

Common Questions

Do I need to remove anchovy fillets before serving?

No. The anchovies melt into the oil and dissolve into the sauce, adding depth and umami rather than fishiness. Most diners won't detect whole anchovies.

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare the sauce up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, then toss with freshly cooked pasta and herbs just before serving.