Go Back
A plate of Pasta Puttanesca with olives and tomatoes, showcasing its colorful ingredients.

Pasta Puttanesca

Pasta Puttanesca is a quick, flavorful dish featuring spaghetti, olives, anchovies, and tomatoes, perfect for a satisfying dinner in under thirty minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 12 ounces spaghetti The classic choice; feel free to substitute with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil Adds richness; for a lighter option, use avocado oil.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Brings depth; fresh garlic is ideal.
Flavor Enhancers
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, roughly chopped Offers a salty punch; green olives can be used if preferred.
  • 1/4 cup capers, drained Adds a briny element; can be omitted.
  • 4 fillets anchovies, chopped Provides a umami boost; canned tuna can be a lighter alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 28 ounces diced tomatoes The heart of the sauce; use fresh tomatoes in summer for better flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Balances acidity; can be skipped for a more savory dish.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste Always taste before serving!
Garnish
  • Fresh basil for garnish Substitute with parsley if basil is unavailable.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Cooking
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic, olives, capers, anchovies, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and about 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Incorporate the drained pasta into the sauce, tossing everything together. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
  5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Taste as you go! Adjust the flavors per your preference. This dish is even more flavorful when prepared a day in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze portions for up to two months.