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Anchovy Butter Lime Pasta

Recipe by Chef GR on InstagramAdded 3 August 2026.
  • 15 min
  • Serves 1
  • 8 ingredients

5 minutes to prep, 10 to cook. A silky, briny, zesty anchovy pasta that turns a simple bowl of spaghetti into a bold, addictive dish. The buttery anchovy sauce, brightened with lime zest and juice, coats the pasta in a glossy, emulsified coating that’s both comforting and daring. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that showcases the power of anchovies.

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Anchovy Butter Lime Pasta by Chef GR, a frame from the Instagram video

Ingredients

1 servingMetric

Amounts as Chef GR gives them. Metric converts supported weights and liquids, and oven temperatures; spoon measures and counts stay as written.

Method

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding just a pinch of salt or none, then cook the pasta until al dente.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, melt 2–3 tbsp butter in a pan over low‑medium heat.

  3. 3

    Add the 4 anchovies (for the sauce) to the butter and stir until they melt and incorporate, stirring occasionally.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Anchovies melt into the butter. Stir over gentle heat until they break down.

  4. 4

    Stir in the zest of half a lime, allowing the aroma to develop.

  5. 5

    When the pasta is al dente, reserve about one cup of the hot pasta water and drain the pasta.

  6. 6

    Add the drained pasta to the pan with the butter‑anchovy mixture and increase the heat to high.

  7. 7

    Toss the pasta, gradually adding reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes glossy and emulsified.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Sauce turns glossy around the pasta. Add pasta water gradually while tossing.

  8. 8

    Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes, tossing vigorously to coat the pasta evenly.

  9. 9

    Remove the pan from heat, then add the remaining lime zest, a squeeze of lime juice, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

  10. 10

    Plate the pasta, top with the remaining 3 anchovies (for topping), extra lime zest, and additional pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Topped pasta is served right away. Add the reserved anchovies just before serving.

Tips while you cook

Reserve Pasta Water
Before draining, set aside about one cup of hot pasta water to use for emulsifying the sauce.
Add Butter‑Anchovy Mix Early
Melt butter and incorporate anchovies while the pasta cooks.
Finish Lime Flavor Off Heat
Add the final lime zest, juice, and black pepper after removing the pan from heat to preserve bright citrus notes.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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Chef GR made this.

The recipe comes from Chef GR’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you Chef GR and want this changed? Email [email protected].

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