Spaghetti all’ Puttanesca

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
Bold, briny, and intensely savory, this classic Italian pasta features a rich tomato sauce punctuated by olives, capers, and anchovies.
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Spaghetti all’ Puttanesca is a vibrant, no-nonsense pasta dish that delivers a punch of flavor in every bite. The sauce is a symphony of briny capers and olives, umami-rich anchovies, and garlic-infused tomatoes, creating a texture that is both chunky and deeply savory. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you crave something substantial yet simple. The combination of salty, sweet, and spicy notes makes it incredibly addictive. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a meal that feels indulgent but comes together in under thirty minutes.

Spaghetti all’ Puttanesca recipe image
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Spaghetti all’ Puttanesca

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4

Description

Spaghetti all’ Puttanesca is a vibrant, no-nonsense pasta dish that delivers a punch of flavor in every bite. The sauce is a symphony of briny capers and olives, umami-rich anchovies, and garlic-infused tomatoes, creating a texture that is both chunky and deeply savory. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you crave something substantial yet simple. The combination of salty, sweet, and spicy notes makes it incredibly addictive. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a meal that feels indulgent but comes together in under thirty minutes.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti.
  2. Chop the garlic, dried red pepper, and red onion. Set aside.
  3. Pit and chop the olives, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes and anchovies.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  5. Add the garlic and red pepper. Sauté for about one minute.
  6. Add the chopped red onion. Stir occasionally until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
  7. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, olives, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and anchovies.
  8. Use a stirring spoon to break up the canned tomatoes.
  9. Cook over medium to medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the moisture has evaporated and the sauce looks darker, about 20-30 minutes.
  10. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
  11. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce. Serve immediately with a small amount of Parmesan cheese.

Note

This recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the anchovies.

Traditionally, quite a bit of olive oil is used, but 3 tablespoons works well for a lighter version.

Sun-dried tomatoes add a nice chewy texture and concentrated flavor.

Keywords: spaghetti, puttanesca, italian, pasta, tomato sauce, olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, quick dinner, mediterranean, briny, savory, weeknight meal, classic recipe
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