Do anchovies make the pasta taste fishy?

No. Once melted into butter, anchovies mellow significantly and contribute a savory, umami flavor rather than a fishy one.

Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?

Absolutely. The breadcrumbs bring texture and brightness, but the pasta still tastes wonderful without them; it simply leans more into its buttery, silky character.

anchovy

Anchovy Butter Pasta
ByDiana Rattray January 28, 2025March 30, 2026

Total Time: 27 minutes
Anchovy butter pasta is a bold, savory dish with lemon and crispy breadcrumbs, ready in under 30 minutes.
Homemade Tapenade (Olive Spread)
ByDiana Rattray January 5, 2024November 30, 2025

Total Time: 10 minutes
This flavorful, tangy homemade tapenade spread is a snap to make with chopped ripe olives, capers, garlic, and seasonings.