20-Minute Pasta Mollicata Recipe: This Southern Italian Pasta Recipe Is Anything But Poor Pasta Dinner Italian Recipes

Pasta mollicata (aka pasta with breadcrumbs) is a traditional Italian dish served all over southern Italy. Made with pasta, breadcrumbs and anchovies, this easy dinner recipe is sometimes referred to as a "poor man's dish." 

The simple pasta mollicata recipe may be made with humble ingredients, but the taste is good enough for royalty. And it's ready in about 20 minutes! 

Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces bucatini or spaghetti noodles
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 anchovy fillets in oil (save the oil)
• crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
• black pepper
• chopped flat leaf Italian parsley

Here's how to make it: 

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Save about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water when draining.
2. Heat the olive oil and a little of the anchovy oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, anchovies and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Cook, stirring, about 3 minutes or until the anchovies have dissolved and garlic is lightly browned. 
3. Add the breadcrumbs and cook until they are toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes. 
4. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Sprinkle in the cheese. Toss to combine. Season with black pepper, to taste. Garnish with the chopped parsley. 

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