I first had this garlic anchovy shrimp pasta at a tiny Italian spot in the Philippines and could not stop thinking about it. Anchovies melt into the oil, garlic turns golden — the same trick that makes my garlic noodles so good- shrimp stays juicy, and a pinch of red pepper flakes brings just enough heat. Tastes fancy and Italian, but it's one pan and under 30 minutes.
I tested it a few times to get the balance right, and now it's one of my go-to dinners when I want something simple that still feels a little impressive.
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For a weeknight version with less prep, my creamy kielbasa pasta leans on smoked sausage instead, so there's nothing to peel or clean.
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Why You'll Love This Anchovy Spaghetti
- 30-minute dinner from start to finish
- Anchovies melt. No fishy chunks, just flavor
- Uses pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and spaghetti
- Shrimp cooks fast and stays tender
- Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for Tuesday
- Naturally dairy-free (cheese optional)
What are Anchovies?
Anchovies are tiny, silver fish that might not look like much, but they pack a powerful punch of flavor! They're a staple in Italian cooking, prized for their intense umami taste. This savory, almost brothy flavor adds incredible depth to sauces and dressings without overpowering the other ingredients. Think of them as flavor enhancers in disguise!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Spaghetti Pasta: Classic and perfect for soaking up olive oil
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps blend the flavors.
- Capers: Fried until crispy for salty crunch
- Garlic: Lots of it, gently sautéed
- Shrimp: Sweet, tender shrimp add texture and protein to the dish.
- Anchovies Fillets: These little fishies dissolve into the magic act, adding "umami" that makes everything taste richer.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness.
- Chicken Stock: This adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
- Salt & Pepper: Our flavor fairy dust!
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, but it's totally optional.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and subtle saltiness to this dish.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh garnish that brightens up the dish.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitution and Addition
- Gluten-free pasta: Swap spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Use sardines if you’re out of anchovies (different vibe, still good)
- Butter instead of olive oil: Adds a richer, creamier texture.
- Add white wine: Substitute chicken stock with white wine for an extra layer of flavor.
- Extra lemon: For a more citrus-forward version, add lemon zest along with the juice.
How to Make Garlic Anchovy Pasta with Shrimp
- Fry the Capers: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the capers and fry them for 2-3 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove the fried capers from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook your pasta of choice according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used to fry the capers, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcook them. Set it aside.
- Add Anchovies and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in finely chopped anchovies and red pepper flakes to the skillet, and chicken stock and lemon juice allowing the anchovies to break down and infuse their flavor into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet . Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the flavorful sauce. Adjust the consistency of the sauce with more pasta water if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the fried capers over the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Variation To Try
- Spicy anchovy pasta – extra red pepper flakes or chili oil
- Creamy version – a splash of cream (not traditional, still delicious)
- Sicilian-style – add olives and extra capers
- Anchovy spaghetti with breadcrumbs – toasted breadcrumbs on top
What to Serve With Anchovy Pasta
- Simple Green Salad
- Garlic bread (for olive oil mopping)
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
- Green beans
- Caesar salad
- Bruschetta
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or chicken stock. Microwave works, but stovetop is better.
Recipe FAQs
No. When anchovies cook in olive oil with garlic, they melt completely and add a salty, savory depth — not a fishy flavor. Most people don’t even realize anchovies are in the sauce.
Yes. This is one of the best ways to try them because they dissolve into the sauce. You won’t get chunks of fish — just a richer, more flavorful anchovy spaghetti.
Spaghetti is classic for anchovy pasta because it coats well with olive oil–based sauces. Linguine or bucatini also work great.
Absolutely. Pasta with anchovies, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley is delicious on its own and very traditional.
Yes. Anchovy paste works well. Use about 1 teaspoon per anchovy fillet and add it to the olive oil with the garlic so it fully melts.
Anchovies add umami — a savory, salty richness that makes sauces taste deeper and more balanced, especially in simple olive oil–based pasta dishes.
More Easy Seafood Pasta Recipes
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📋 Recipe
Garlic Anchovy Pasta with Shrimp
Equipment
- 1 skillet or sauté pan
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce spaghetti pasta or any pasta of your choice
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoon capers
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 pound shrimp
- 10 pieces anchovies fillet
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- salt and pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fry the Capers: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the capers and fry them for 2-3 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove the fried capers from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.3 tablespoon capers, ⅓ cup olive oil
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook your pasta of choice according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.1 8 ounce spaghetti pasta
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used to fry the capers, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.4 cloves garlic
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcook them. Set it aside.1 pound shrimp
- Add Anchovies and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in finely chopped anchovies and red pepper flakes to the skillet, and chicken stock and lemon juice allowing the anchovies to break down and infuse their flavor into the sauce.10 pieces anchovies fillet, ¾ cup chicken stock, Pinch red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet . Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the flavorful sauce. Adjust the consistency of the sauce with more pasta water if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the fried capers over the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the anchovies and shrimp pasta immediately, and enjoy your delicious meal!salt and pepper, chopped parsley for garnish
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Notes
- Melt the anchovies: Let the anchovies dissolve into the oil for the best flavor integration.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid rubbery texture.
- Balance the flavors: If the dish is too salty, add a bit more lemon juice to brighten it up.
- Use fresh parsley: It adds a nice pop of color and fresh taste to the rich sauce.
