Description
Pasta Puttanesca is a bold Italian classic pasta dish featuring a savory and tangy sauce made from tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies. This quick yet flavorful meal combines briny, spicy, and aromatic ingredients simmered together to create an irresistible sauce that pairs perfectly with spaghetti or linguine. Ideal for busy weeknights, this comforting Italian dinner delivers rich Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 4 anchovy fillets, minced (optional but traditional)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Heat the Olive Oil and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Anchovies and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in minced anchovy fillets and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring until the anchovies dissolve into the oil, infusing it with flavor.
- Build the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, capers, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
- Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed, keeping in mind that olives, capers, and anchovies contribute saltiness.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the pasta for a fresh herbal finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Anchovies melt into the sauce during cooking and add a deep, savory depth without imparting a fishy taste.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the anchovies entirely.
- Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor outcome.
- This dish is traditionally served without cheese; enjoy it with crusty bread on the side to soak up the rich sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
