Print

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Easy Pasta Puttanesca is a bold, flavorful Italian dish that brings together the richness of olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies in a savory, tangy tomato sauce. This classic pasta recipe is quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for a weeknight meal when you’re craving something simple yet full of vibrant flavors. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, this dish will transport you to the streets of Italy with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, Pasta Puttanesca is sure to impress with its punchy flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale

For your Easy Pasta Puttanesca, gather the following ingredients:

  • 12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 anchovy fillets, chopped (optional for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water for later.

Prepare the Puttanesca Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add Anchovies (Optional): If using anchovies, add them to the skillet and cook, breaking them up with a spoon, until they dissolve into the oil (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Add Olives and Capers: Stir in the sliced olives and capers, then add the red pepper flakes and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

  1. Toss the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if necessary.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Garnish: Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/easy-pasta-puttanesca/