Best Easy Spaghetti alla Colatura di Alici Recipe

Spaghetti dressed in colatura, a fermented anchovy essence from Cetara on the Amalfi Coast. This unique mediterranean dish is high in protein and bursting with concentrated umami freshness.

Cook 20 min Difficulty NORMAL 420 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein #seafood pasta #umami
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • spaghetti 12 oz
  • extra virgin olive oil 0.25 cup
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • flat-leaf parsley 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • colatura di alici 2.5 tbsp
  • red pepper flakes 0.5 tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 62 g 59%
Protein 16 g 15%
Fat 12 g 26%
Serving size 150g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding only half the usual salt, since colatura is quite salty. Cook spaghetti until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions.

  2. 2

    While pasta cooks, gently warm the olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add finely minced garlic and cook gently for about 1-2 minutes, making sure not to brown the garlic.

  3. 3

    Drain the spaghetti, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Transfer pasta to the skillet with the garlic-oil, increase heat to medium-low and toss well.

  4. 4

    Add the colatura di alici, red pepper flakes, and a splash of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 1 minute so everything is evenly coated and the starch in the water helps the sauce cling.

  5. 5

    Off the heat, add chopped parsley and black pepper. Toss once more and serve immediately, adjusting seasoning if needed.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient in this dish is colatura di alici, a unique fermented anchovy extract from the Amalfi Coast. It delivers intense umami depth and oceanic saltiness, making the dish truly distinctive. Combined with spaghetti, olive oil, and a hint of garlic, colatura forms the backbone of this classic Italian pasta's identity.
Q. How do you control the salt and flavor intensity in Spaghetti alla Colatura di Alici?
Salt control is crucial here. First, salt the pasta water lightly since the colatura di alici brings strong saltiness on its own. Add the colatura after draining so you can taste and adjust if necessary. This method ensures the dish is flavorful without becoming overpoweringly salty.
Q. How do you prevent overcooking the garlic or pasta in this recipe?
Gently cook the minced garlic in olive oil over low heat for 1-2 minutes, never letting it brown—this preserves its sweet flavor and avoids bitterness. Cook the spaghetti just shy of al dente, as it finishes cooking in the skillet with the sauce, ensuring a perfect, springy bite.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving contain?
Each 150g serving contains about 420 kcal, with 16g of protein, 62g of carbohydrates, and 12g of fat. Protein makes up roughly 15% of calories, while carbs provide 59% and fat 26%, making this pasta relatively high in protein compared to typical Italian dishes.
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