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Garlicky Greens Spaghetti with Anchovy Breadcrumbs

A quietly indulgent, everyday pasta. Fibre-rich greens form the base, wholewheat spaghetti provides steady energy, and anchovy breadcrumbs add deep savoury flavour without heaviness. Comforting, balanced and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

Pasta & Greens

  • 400 g wholewheat or high-fibre spaghetti
  • 2 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • ¼–½ tsp chilli flakes to taste
  • 150 g cooked Brussels sprouts thinly sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 2 celery sticks finely sliced

Anchovy Breadcrumbs

  • 100 g stale wholegrain sourdough or ciabatta
  • 4 Cantabrian anchovy fillets finely chopped
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

To Finish

  • Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Method

Make the anchovy breadcrumbs

  • Blitz the bread into coarse crumbs. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the anchovies and break them down with a spoon until they melt into the oil. Stir in the chilli flakes and breadcrumbs, cooking until golden and crisp. Set aside.

Cook the pasta

  • Bring a large pan of well-salted water to the boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain.

Sauté the greens

  • Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil in a wide pan over low–medium heat. Add the garlic and chilli flakes and gently sizzle for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the Brussels sprouts, celery and spinach, tossing for 2–3 minutes until just wilted and vibrant.

Combine

  • Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the greens. Toss over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen and lightly coat everything.

Serve

  • Divide between bowls. Finish with a generous sprinkle of anchovy breadcrumbs, a drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Big flavour, smart balance, no excess.
  • This is comfort food, refined — indulgent in taste, lighter in feel.
Garlicky Greens Spaghetti with Anchovy Breadcrumbs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
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