This pasta puttanesca recipe is a simple pantry meal that has bold savory flavors! It's a quick weeknight dinner and uses minimal ingredients for the addictive tomato sauce.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Pasta Puttanesca Recipe, Puttanesca Sauce, Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
Boil a large salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
Meanwhile, add the canned tomatoes to a bowl and crush them (it's easiest to do this using your hands, but you could also use a fork).
Add the olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and anchovies to a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes (watch the garlic doesn't burn).
Stir in the tomatoes, capers, and olives. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors meld.
Season with salt & pepper as needed. Toss with the drained pasta (add a splash of the hot pasta water prior to draining if you wish to thin the sauce), and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
I recommend San Marzano plum tomatoes for best flavor. You may swap the whole canned tomatoes with crushed tomatoes if you prefer.
The garlic, anchovy, and olive quantities are quite flexible. If you want bolder flavor, add more of each. Measure with your heart!
Feel free to add in more chopped fresh herbs such as basil or oregano.
You can also find this recipe on page 53 of the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentialscookbook.