Pancetta Anchovy & Sundried Tomato Spaghetti

Looking for a quick, easy midweek dinner? This Italian Pancetta, Anchovy & Sundried Tomato Spaghetti takes only 15 minutes! Spaghetti is added to pancetta cooked with garlic, tinned anchovy in olive oil, chopped sundried tomato and Italian herb seasoning.

Certainly a fantastic pasta dish full of flavours from Italy. We also have a Italian pot roast pasta dish you might like!

Making Pancetta, Anchovy & Sundried Tomato Spaghetti

Check out our Step by Step video of making this delightful pasta recipe in short, quick steps.

Jump to the bottom for a full printable recipe card.

Get the pasta cooking first, this is such a quick recipe. The time it takes to cook the pasta is the same time it takes to prepare the delicious Pancetta, Anchovy & Sundried Tomato sauce it gets added to!

How to cook spaghetti?

Fill a large saucepan (the largest you have, pasta likes plenty of room to cook) with plenty of water bring it to a heavy raging boil! Sprinkle a generous pinch or two of salt into the water.

Now add in the spaghetti. Don't worry if it doesn't fit in the pan at this point, the boiling water should soften the strands so you can push them down. The pasta will have cooled the water down, so bring the water back to a boil.

Once at boiling point, turn it down to a simmer, and give it a good stir to separate any strands clumping together.

How long does spaghetti take to cook?

The time to cook pasta differs depending on fresh/dried and the shape and size. For example, most dried spaghetti will take between 6-10 minutes. However, it is important to check the packet instructions!

Another way to test is to pull a strand out with a fork and taste test for doneness. Start testing at 6 minutes, then cook for longer if required. Keep checking every minute until at your desired texture.

Once cooked, drain immediately and add to the cooked Pancetta, Anchovy & Sundried Tomato in oil.

How to prepare Pancetta, Anchovy & Sundried Tomato Sauce?

Not much to prep, really; just chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces, crush your garlic & measure out all the other ingredients.

Whilst the pasta is cooking. Get to work on the quick, easy sauce. Use a large nonstick pan or cast iron casserole dish to cook in, remember the spaghetti will be added to the sauce later, so you need plenty of room to stir it in.

Pancetta substitute?

We used unsmoked pancetta, for the full Italian flavouring. However, if you can't get hold of Pancetta, you can always use bacon lardons or chopped bacon slices instead.

How to use a tin of Anchovy fillets in olive oil?

No preparation is needed. The anchovy fillets in olive oil get tipped straight in with the oil from the tin too. The heat will subsequently help break down the fillets & use a spatula to help too.

Anchovies give an amazing salty flavouring to this pasta sauce. Which works perfectly with the sweetness of Sun-dried Tomatoes.

Fry the pancetta/bacon in olive oil first, then add the garlic, anchovy & sundried tomato, finally a generous amount of Italian seasoning.

What is Italian Seasoning?

An amazing mix of herbs it contains Oregano, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes, Marjoram, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Parsley . As a result, my go-to blend for many Italian recipes. You can pick it up from most supermarkets, however, some blends may differ.

On the other hand, you can always make up your own blend of dried herbs if you wish.

During the time that it takes to cook the Pancetta, Anchovy & Sundried Tomato. The spaghetti will also have cooked.

Drain the pasta and add into the sauce.

Stir through some black pepper and your ready to serve.

What to serve Pancetta, Anchovy & Sundried Tomato Spaghetti with?

Lastly, add some fresh parsley and a grating of Parmesan cheese. Serve up with a garlic pizza bread, herb focaccia bread and a caprese salad.

There is enough here to serve 2-3 people. However, if you want to serve more, it is easy to double up the recipe! Or serve with a side of our dough balls for a more filling result.

The Anchovy brings a delicious Umami to this dish, as a result, you will keep tucking in for more.

📖 Step by Step Recipe

Updated on 21/04/2023 to add some more serving suggestions and other Italian dishes.

Enjoyed this quick, easy midweek pasta meal? Why not check out our other recipes? For example, this chorizo and tomato pappardelle pasta or our Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese.

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Love Italian food? Try our homemade basil pesto great served with Italian eggs for breakfast. Our orzo pasta salad makes a great lunch and take your pick from all our pasta recipes or try parmesan chicken for dinner!

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We love pasta and have plenty of other pasta ideas you can try here