Easy Eats: Pantry Pasta

This recipe makes use of simple pantry staples like pasta, canned tomatoes, and anchovies to create a rich, flavourful sauce that's satisfying and easy to prepare.

Sam ParishChef
prepare
cook
4 servings
Easy
Pantry pasta by Sam Parish
Sam Parish

With a hint of spice from chilli flakes and the briny goodness of capers and olives, this is a moreish mid-weeker to keep everyone happy. Add a can of tuna if you need an extra protein hit.

Ingredients

  • 500g penne pasta
  • 1 brown onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1 ½ Tbsp capers
  • ¼ cup kalamata olives
  • 4-5 anchovies in oil
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes (or more if you like it hot)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 400g canned diced tomatoes
  • 50g butter, chopped
  • Chopped parsley and shaved pecorino to serve

Instructions

  1. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and cook the penne pasta for 3 minutes less than the recommended cooking time.
  2. Meanwhile, place the onion, garlic, capers, olives, anchovies, and chilli flakes on a board and use a large knife to chop them together into a finely chopped mixture.
  3. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped mixture and cook for 3 minutes or until the onion has softened. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to darken slightly, then add the canned tomatoes and stir to combine. Simmer on low heat until the pasta is nearly ready.
  4. Once the pasta is ready, transfer 2 cups of the pasta water to the sauce, then strain the pasta and add it to the sauce along with the butter. Stir for 3 minutes to coat the pasta and reduce the sauce. Season to taste.
  5. Divide between bowls and top with parsley and shaved pecorino to serve.

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