Dead Guy Pasta (Pasta alla Povera)

Picture this: a steaming plate of pasta, rich with the flavors of Dead Guy Pasta (Pasta alla Povera), a traditional Italian dish that’s not only comforting but also incredibly budget-friendly. This rustic, soul-warming meal is perfect for anyone who wants to make a delicious and satisfying dinner without breaking the bank.

Originating from the rural kitchens of Italy, Pasta alla Povera, or “Pasta of the Poor,” is a culinary gem that shines with its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little love, you can transform basic ingredients into a dish that’s bursting with flavor and charm.

What makes Dead Guy Pasta so special? It’s all about the bold flavors and the incredible texture that comes from using a few key techniques.

At its core, Pasta alla Povera is a humble dish that features garlic, anchovies, and chili flakes, creating a heavenly combination of flavors that’s both aromatic and mouth-watering. The key to unlocking the full potential of these ingredients lies in the cooking process.

It all starts with gently sautéing the garlic in a generous amount of olive oil. This not only infuses the oil with an irresistible garlicky aroma but also lays the foundation for the rest of the dish.

Next comes the anchovies, which melt into the oil, adding a rich, umami depth that’s both savory and satisfying. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of anchovies – their flavor in this dish is subtle, and they simply serve to enhance the overall taste.

To bring some heat to the party, a pinch of chili flakes is added, giving the dish a pleasant kick that’s sure to awaken your taste buds.

Of course, no Italian dish would be complete without pasta, and Dead Guy Pasta is no exception. The key to achieving the perfect pasta texture is to cook it al dente, which means it should be cooked until it’s tender but still has a slight bite to it. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce without becoming mushy.

Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, it’s time to bring everything together. A splash of pasta water is added to the garlic-anchovy mixture, creating a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. A final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, elevating the dish to new heights.

Dead Guy Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for those who crave a simple, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal that’s steeped in Italian tradition. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite Italian playlist, and get ready to transport your senses to the rustic kitchens of Italy with every bite.

Buon appetito!

Dead Guy Pasta (Pasta alla Povera)

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Total time

40

minutes

A delicious and budget-friendly Italian pasta dish made with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1 (2 oz) can anchovy fillets, drained and chopped

• 1/2 cup pitted black olives, halved

• 1/4 cup capers, drained

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

• Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
• Add the chopped anchovy fillets to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the anchovies to break down and melt into the oil.
• Stir in the black olives and capers, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
• Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring well. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
• Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and cook for an additional minute, allowing the parsley to wilt slightly.
• Serve the pasta hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

• For a heartier meal, add sautéed mushrooms or cooked Italian sausage to the sauce.
• You can also use other types of pasta, like linguine or fettuccine, for this dish.
• To make this dish vegetarian, use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese substitute.

Dead Guy Pasta (Pasta alla Povera) pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or bruschetta as appetizers. For a more complete Italian meal, consider serving alongside a Caprese salad or a simple vegetable side dish, such as roasted asparagus or sautéed zucchini.