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Sicilian Pasta with Anchovy Breadcrumbs

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A rustic southern Italian pasta dish packed with umami-rich anchovies, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, tossed with pasta and finished with golden, crispy herbed breadcrumbs. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of salty, savory, and crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz gemelli or fusilli pasta
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for breadcrumbs)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (for breadcrumbs)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for breadcrumbs)
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. To make the herbed breadcrumbs, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and breadcrumbs. Toast for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp. Stir in chopped parsley and lemon zest. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and anchovies. Stir until anchovies dissolve into the oil.
  4. Add red pepper flakes (if using) and chopped cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5–6 minutes until tomatoes are softened.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with chopped parsley and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine and coat the pasta.
  6. Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl and top generously with the herbed breadcrumbs.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley or lemon zest if desired.

Notes

  • Use high-quality anchovies for best flavor—they should melt smoothly into the oil.
  • The breadcrumbs can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for a few days.
  • Add capers or olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit entirely.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sicilian pasta, anchovy breadcrumbs, gemelli, cherry tomatoes, herbed breadcrumbs, Italian pasta dish, umami pasta

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/sicilian-pasta-with-anchovy-breadcrumbs/