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Elegant Fettuccine with Anchovy Butter: A Quick, Savory Classic

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/18 .. -with-anchovy-butter-a-quick-savory-classic.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 22:49 GMT by Food & Wine

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Fettuccine with Anchovy Butter: A Quick, Savory Classic
(Based on Food & Wine’s original recipe, “Fettuccine with Anchovy Butter” – https://www.foodandwine.com/fettuccine-with-anchovy-butter-11870981)

When summer heat drags you down and you crave something that feels both luxurious and comforting, a plate of fettuccine tossed in a silky anchovy butter can do the trick. Food & Wine’s version, written by culinary writer Daniele Bianchi, turns a handful of pantry staples into a silky‑smooth pasta that’s packed with umami, citrus brightness, and a whisper of heat. The recipe is a true “one‑pan” affair that can be served at a dinner party or made for a quick weeknight meal—anywhere you want a dish that feels special without a lot of fuss.

The Story Behind the Dish

Bianchi’s inspiration came from a memorable family holiday in the Amalfi Coast, where a local trattoria’s chef would whisk together anchovy fillets, butter, and lemon zest to create a sauce that was both deeply savory and wonderfully bright. “The anchovies gave the dish a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat,” Bianchi writes. “And the lemon added the perfect counterpoint to the richness.” The recipe also nods to the classic Italian “fettuccine al limone,” but with the added depth that only anchovies can bring.

In the article, Bianchi provides a link to the Chef’s Table episode featuring the dish, giving readers an opportunity to see how a professional kitchen puts a similar anchovy butter to work. The link also includes a short interview with the chef, where he explains how anchovy fillets are carefully rinsed and cut into thin pieces before being sautéed in butter for a minute or two—this step is key to achieving the dish’s signature flavor profile.

Ingredients in a Nutshell

Note: The recipe’s article links to a quick guide on “How to Choose the Best Anchovy Fillets” and a link to a recommended store where readers can buy high‑quality fillets that have a clean, briny taste without being overly fishy.

Step‑by‑Step Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until just al dente (about 9–10 minutes). Reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

2. Make the Anchovy Butter
   While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped anchovy fillets and let them dissolve into the butter for 1–2 minutes, until they release their oil and the butter takes on a golden hue. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest, and sauté for another 30 seconds—be careful not to let the garlic burn.

3. Combine Pasta & Sauce
   Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet, tossing it in the anchovy‑butter mixture. Sprinkle in the grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano, then drizzle in the reserved pasta water, one ladle at a time, until the pasta is coated in a silky sauce. Stir in the lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped parsley. Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.

4. Plate & Serve
   Divide the pasta into bowls or a shallow platter. Garnish with a final sprinkle of Parmesan, a few extra parsley leaves, and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil. Serve immediately—while the butter is still glossy and the pasta is warm.

Bianchi’s article stresses that the sauce should be finished on a low heat, so it doesn’t separate. The anchovy butter “creates a velvety coating that clings to every strand of fettuccine,” the writer writes, and the lemon juice adds a bright contrast that cuts through the richness.

Variations & Tips

• Anchovy Paste? If you’re not a fan of whole fillets, a teaspoon of anchovy paste can replace the fillets and still deliver the deep umami flavor.
• Add Heat – A pinch of red‑pepper flakes can be added with the garlic for a subtle kick.
• Vegetable Boost – Sautéing a handful of baby spinach or sautéed cherry tomatoes alongside the garlic will give the dish an extra pop of color and nutrition.
• Cheese Swap – Try adding a tablespoon of grated Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper finish.
• Storage – Any leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of pasta water to bring back the sauce’s silkiness.

The article also links to a “Sauce‑Storing 101” guide, which explains how to preserve the delicate balance of butter and anchovy flavor when reheating.

Pairing Suggestions

The dish’s bright citrus undertones and creamy sauce make it an ideal match for crisp, unoaked white wines such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Vermentino. A light rosé also works beautifully, adding a subtle fruitiness that complements the anchovy’s savory depth. If you prefer a red, a light‑bodied Pinot Noir will not overpower the dish. Bianchi recommends keeping the wine glass cool to enhance the dish’s refreshing finish.

Bottom Line

Food & Wine’s “Fettuccine with Anchovy Butter” is a deceptively simple recipe that showcases how anchovies can elevate a pasta dish to new levels of flavor. The anchovy butter creates a silky, umami‑rich sauce that coats every strand of fettuccine, while the lemon zest and juice keep the dish bright and appetizing. With its easy prep, short cooking time, and bold taste, it’s a go‑to recipe for those who love a hearty pasta meal that feels both comforting and refined.

Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or impressing guests with an elegant yet straightforward dish, the anchovy butter fettuccine is a recipe that deserves a spot on your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!