Authentic Italian Puttanesca: The Deliciously Bold Pasta Dish

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (2 ounces) anchovy fillets, drained and chopped
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
8 ounces spaghetti
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Add the crushed tomatoes, anchovy fillets, olives, and capers. Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, until it has thickened.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Drain well.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to sauté the garlic, onion, and other ingredients.
Large pot - A large pot is required to cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water.
Colander - A colander is necessary to drain the cooked spaghetti.
Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring and combining the sauce ingredients.
Chef's knife - A chef's knife is needed to mince garlic, chop onion, and chop parsley.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the anchovy fillets and add 1 tablespoon of capers for a tangy and flavorful vegetarian Puttanesca sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat in your Puttanesca sauce.
Seafood Variation: Add cooked shrimp, mussels, or clams to the sauce for a delicious seafood twist.
Vegan Option: Replace the anchovy fillets with a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari for a vegan-friendly Puttanesca sauce.
Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Fresh Herbs: Experiment with adding fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the herbal notes in the sauce.
Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese on top of the finished dish for a cheesy twist.

Recipe overview

Puttanesca is a robust, flavorful pasta dish that hails from Italy. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and boasts a unique combination of ingredients that deliver a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly briny flavors. The base of the sauce is made with garlic, onions, and red pepper flakes sautéed in olive oil, along with tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, anchovies, olives, and capers. All these ingredients are simmered together to create a rich, thick sauce that perfectly coats spaghetti. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your tastebuds. Expect a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.

Common questions

Can I omit the anchovy fillets? Yes, you can omit the anchovy fillets if you prefer a vegetarian version. The dish will still have a delicious flavor from the other ingredients.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional for Puttanesca, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne or linguine.
Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute for crushed tomatoes. However, the texture of the sauce may be slightly different.
Can I adjust the amount of red pepper flakes? Yes, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your personal preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta fresh.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to sauté the garlic, onion, and other ingredients for the sauce.
Large Pot - A large pot is required to cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water.
Spatula - A spatula is useful for stirring and combining the ingredients in the skillet.
Colander - A colander is needed to drain the cooked spaghetti after boiling.
Cooking Spoon - A cooking spoon can be used to stir the sauce while it simmers.
Knife - A knife is necessary for mincing garlic, chopping onion, and pitting olives.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are useful for accurately measuring the amounts of olive oil, tomato paste, and other ingredients.
Tongs - Tongs can be used to toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce.
Grater - A grater can be used to grate fresh Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top of the dish.

Origin stories

The origins of Puttanesca sauce are as colorful as the dish itself. The name 'Puttanesca' comes from the Italian word 'puttana', which loosely translates to 'lady of the night'. Legend has it that in mid-20th century Naples, these ladies needed a quick and easy meal to prepare between appointments. Using what they had on hand - tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies - they created this vibrant and flavorful pasta sauce that could be whipped up in no time. A dish born out of necessity, it's now a beloved staple in Italian cuisine, cherished for its robust flavor and simple preparation.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.