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Sicilian Pasta With Tomatoes, Garlic & Almonds

by . Featured in NIGELLISSIMA
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Introduction

I like to use fusilli lunghi, which are like long golden ringlets (or, less poetically, telephone cords) but, if you can't find them, simply substitute regulation-size fusilli (or indeed any pasta of your choice).

Since the sauce is unheated, it would be wise to warm the serving bowl first but, having said that, I absolutely adore eating this Sicilian pasta cold, should any be left over. It is so easy to make and, being both simple and spectacular, is first on my list for a pasta dish to serve when you have people round.

For US cup measures, use the toggle at the top of the ingredients list.

I like to use fusilli lunghi, which are like long golden ringlets (or, less poetically, telephone cords) but, if you can't find them, simply substitute regulation-size fusilli (or indeed any pasta of your choice).

Since the sauce is unheated, it would be wise to warm the serving bowl first but, having said that, I absolutely adore eating this Sicilian pasta cold, should any be left over. It is so easy to make and, being both simple and spectacular, is first on my list for a pasta dish to serve when you have people round.

For US cup measures, use the toggle at the top of the ingredients list.

Sicilian Pasta With Tomatoes, Garlic & Almonds
Photo by Petrina Tinslay

Ingredients

Serves: 6

Metric Cups
  • 500 grams fusilli lunghi (or other pasta of your choice)
  • salt for pasta water (to taste)
  • 250 grams cherry tomatoes
  • 6 anchovy fillets
  • 25 grams golden sultanas
  • 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
  • 50 grams blanched almonds
  • 60 millilitres extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small bunch fresh basil (approx. 20g / 1 cup, to serve)
  • 1¼ pounds fusilli lunghi (or other pasta of your choice)
  • salt for pasta water (to taste)
  • 8 ounces cherry tomatoes
  • 6 anchovy fillets
  • 2 tablespoons golden raisins
  • 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
  • ⅓ cup skinned almonds
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small bunch fresh basil (approx. 20g / 1 cup, to serve)

Method

  1. Put abundant water on to boil for the pasta, waiting for it to come to the boil before salting it. Add the pasta and cook according to packet instructions, though start checking it a good 2 minutes before it's meant to be ready.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce by putting all the remaining ingredients, bar the basil, into a processor and blitzing until you have a nubbly-textured sauce.
  3. Just before draining the pasta, remove a cupful of pasta-cooking water and add 2 tablespoonfuls of it down the funnel of the processor, pulsing as you go.
  4. Tip the drained pasta into your warmed serving bowl. Pour and scrape the sauce on top, tossing to coat (add a little more pasta-cooking water if you need it) and strew with basil leaves.
  1. Put abundant water on to boil for the pasta, waiting for it to come to the boil before salting it. Add the pasta and cook according to packet instructions, though start checking it a good 2 minutes before it's meant to be ready.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce by putting all the remaining ingredients, bar the basil, into a processor and blitzing until you have a nubbly-textured sauce.
  3. Just before draining the pasta, remove a cupful of pasta-cooking water and add 2 tablespoonfuls of it down the funnel of the processor, pulsing as you go.
  4. Tip the drained pasta into your warmed serving bowl. Pour and scrape the sauce on top, tossing to coat (add a little more pasta-cooking water if you need it) and strew with basil leaves.

Additional Information

STORE:
Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible. Will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

STORE:
Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible. Will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tell us what you think

What 17 Others have said

  • Brava Nigella This has become a new regular. Also made with mint (replacing basil, as suggested in video) Semplice, facile, ed ottimo Simple, easy, and delicious!

    Posted by Feed_Me on 29th January 2023
  • Fuss free, fresh and fabulous...

    Posted by Gintastic on 1st June 2021
  • This is delicious. To add to the Sicilian flavor, I make with artichokes packed in oil, as Trapani is home to fields of artichokes! Yum!

    Posted by Peggy1212 on 13th July 2020
  • I make this dish often. It completely removed any fear of anchovies that I was harboring. It's maximum flavor for minimum effort. One of my favorite pasta dishes of all time. I absolutely love the Nigellissima cookbook. Everything I have made from it has been something I will certainly make again.

    Posted by Arvona on 27th January 2020
  • A great pasta dish. If you're struggling to find this type of pasta, I've also seen it being called Fusilli Lunghi col Buco, or just Fusilli col Buco.

    Posted by Dwin0255 on 11th January 2020
  • Loved it! Very fresh and easy to make. Perfect summer’s day recipe!

    Posted by Livealot on 25th January 2018
  • A fantastic and user friendly recipe. A new staple in our household!

    Posted by AmberDP on 8th January 2018
  • Perfect dish for a hot Australian summer evening. Deliciously fresh and easy to make. May consider adding a touch of chilli next time.

    Posted by mariette123 on 11th January 2018
  • Another family favourite! Delicious and so easy to prepare! Nigella, your recipes are the best!

    Posted by RobyH on 9th January 2018
  • Holy moly this was unbelievably good! Followed the recipe exactly... Had to search for anchovies but they were magical! This will become a staple for sure!

    Posted by Maria-maria on 16th March 2016
  • Delicious and very easy. I had a 'side' of avocado, which went surprisingly well with this recipe. Thanks Nigella :)

    Posted by Roet on 22nd January 2016
  • Hello Nigella I love this pasta dish and my husband too. I would like to do a query. I usually have a little extra sauce. I can save it? and for how long? Thank you very much. You're an inspiration.

    Posted by Psique on 6th November 2012
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