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Grandma Jenny’s Spaghetti with Oil, Garlic, Anchovies, and Long Hot Peppers

plate of spaghetti
Italian

Grandma Jenny’s Spaghetti with Oil, Garlic, Anchovies, and Long Hot Peppers

A humble Southern Italian pasta built from pantry staples of extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, anchovies, and hot peppers. The anchovies melt into the oil, creating a rich savory sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. Proof that some of the most memorable meals are also the simplest.

Memories Behind the Meal

Granma Jenny (Nonnie)
Friday evenings for dinner
It reminds me of Grandpa Andy – hard-working, humble, and content with life’s simple pleasures.

A MESSAGE FROM THE FAMILY

Long after the recipe is forgotten, the smell of garlic warming in olive oil still knows the way home.
Shared by Edward Varipapa

Ingredients

  • 1 lb spaghetti – La Molisana (spaghetti n.15)
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 anchovy fillets packed in oil
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy oil from the jar
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 Italian long hot peppers, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • Salt, for pasta water

How to Make It

STEP BY STEP

ingredients for a recipe

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.

3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.

4. Add the garlic and cook gently until fragrant and lightly golden. Do not brown.

5. Add the anchovy fillets along with a small spoonful of the anchovy oil. Stir continuously until the anchovies dissolve completely into the oil. Add the sliced long hot peppers and cook for several minutes until softened. Stir in the chopped parsley. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.

6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat. Add a small amount of reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce cling to the spaghetti.

7. Serve immediately.

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