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Macaroni with butter and anchovies

⏱ 5 min🍳 10 min👤 1 pp★★☆☆☆

The recipe that we offer you today is disarming in its simplicity, and is therefore perfect for those who are not very experienced cooks, or who have little time on their hands. Or it might be suitable for those whose pantry is practically empty, but does contain, at least, some butter and a jar of anchovies. Butter and anchovies are one of the most successful combinations in cookery: two flavours that combine and enhance one another perfectly. The butter melts with the heat of the pasta immediately after draining, enveloping each and every one of the macaroni, while the anchovies and capers give the dish a verve and character which will satisfy even the most demanding of palates. You can make this main course with a short pasta shape of your choice, but spaghetti would also be fine. The important thing is to enjoy it hot.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
16g
Carbohydrates
60g
Fat
24g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
5 minutes Total time
10 minutes Active time
Serves 1 person
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Cook the pasta as usual in boiling salted water. Take a bowl and beat together the butter (which must be at room temperature), anchovies, capers and a generous sprinkling of pepper. There only remains to drain the pasta and mix with the sauce. If necessary, add a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water to loosen.

Tips
If you want to give more body to your macaroni sauce, you could add a teaspoon of cream to the butter and melt in a saucepan before transferring the mixture to the bowl with the anchovies and capers. And again, if you like the pairing of butter and anchovies, you could use it as a topping for bruschetta which you might serve as a finger-food hors d’oeuvre at a dinner party with friends.
Trivia
The combination of butter and anchovies is strongly rooted in the Roman culinary tradition, and is still served in many restaurants and osterias of the capital. A sandwich, pizza or plate of macaroni with butter and anchovies is the essence of Roman cuisine. A final note of interest: the combination of butter and anchovies was much loved and praised by the famous Roman poet Trilussa.

Step by step

In a bowl
In a bowl
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Maccheroncini with Butter and Anchovies and Potatoes

The maccheroncini with butter and anchovies can be enriched with the addition of potatoes. For this variation, it is advisable to boil the diced potatoes together with the pasta in the last minutes of cooking. Once drained, mix everything with the seasoning made of butter, anchovies, and capers. This dish thus becomes more substantial and offers a pleasant creaminess, making it perfect for a family lunch or a dinner with friends. The potatoes not only provide a different texture but also a delicate flavor that pairs well with the anchovies, creating a balance of tastes that captivates from the first bite.

Maccheroncini with Butter and Anchovies from Molise

This traditional recipe from Molise for maccheroncini with butter and anchovies stands out for its simplicity and genuineness. In Molise, fish-based dishes are highly appreciated, and fresh, flavorful anchovies are a common ingredient. To prepare the maccheroncini from Molise, it is recommended to use fresh anchovies, if available, to enhance the flavor of the dish. The butter, used generously, provides a enveloping creaminess, while the capers add a touch of savoriness. This preparation is ideal for those who wish to savor a dish rich in tradition and history, typical of Molise tables.

Maccheroncini with Butter and Light Anchovies

For those who want to enjoy maccheroncini with butter and anchovies in a light version, it is possible to substitute the butter with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This alternative not only reduces the calorie content of the dish but also adds a fruity and fresh flavor that pairs well with the anchovies and capers. Additionally, one can limit the amount of pasta and increase the presence of vegetables, such as zucchini or cherry tomatoes, for a more balanced dish. With this variation, you won't miss out on flavor, but you can enjoy a lighter option suitable for those following a healthy diet.

Benefits of Anchovies in Maccheroncini with Butter and Anchovies

The anchovies, the main ingredient of this dish, are rich in Omega-3, essential fatty acids that promote cardiovascular health. Furthermore, they are an important source of protein and contain B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism. Anchovies also provide minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, beneficial for bone health. In terms of calories, a serving of maccheroncini with butter and anchovies is around 500-600 calories, depending on the quantities used. This dish, while substantial, can be part of a balanced diet if consumed in moderate portions.

Can Maccheroncini with Butter and Anchovies be Frozen?

Freezing maccheroncini with butter and anchovies is not recommended, as the butter may alter its consistency and flavor once thawed. However, if you wish to preserve the preparation, it is better to freeze only the pasta with the anchovy and caper seasoning, avoiding the addition of butter. This way, you can resume the preparation at a later time, adding fresh butter at the time of cooking. Remember to store everything in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn and consume within a month to ensure maximum freshness and quality of the dish.