Linguine Puttanesca
Linguine Puttanesca combines bold flavors of tomatoes, anchovies, capers, and olives, creating a savory and vibrant pasta dish perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced thin ⓘ
- 2 lb. ripe plum tomatoes, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 (35 oz.) can plum tomatoes, drained and chopped fine
- 8 anchovy fillets, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. capers ⓘ
- 12 black Italian or Greek olives, pitted and chopped ⓘ
- hot red pepper flakes to taste ⓘ
- 1 lb. linguine
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh basil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced flat parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the linguine.
- While the water is heating, place 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet, add the garlic and cook over low heat for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet.
- Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and releases juices.
- Add the chopped anchovies, capers, olives, and red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Lower heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes more.
- As soon as the water boils, add the linguine and cook until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and place in a warm serving bowl.
- Add the minced basil, parsley, and remaining olive oil to the sauce.
- Taste and add salt if necessary.
- Spoon the sauce over the pasta, toss well, and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking the tomatoes. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the number of anchovies or substitute with a few tablespoons of olive oil instead. Fresh tomatoes can be replaced with canned tomatoes for ease, but ensure they are high quality for the best taste. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Style Seafood Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the linguine puttanesca with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti, complements the robust flavors beautifully. For a twist, add grilled shrimp on top, making it a delightful pairing with Easy Shrimp And Pasta.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pan to prevent the pasta from drying out. Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguine Puttanesca contains roughly 996 calories, with 99g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (782% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (376% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, to make linguine puttanesca vegetarian, simply omit the anchovies and replace them with a dash of soy sauce or miso for umami flavor. The capers and olives will still provide a salty, briny taste that enhances the dish.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
For the best flavor, use ripe plum tomatoes if in season. Otherwise, high-quality canned plum tomatoes work well. Look for those packed in juice rather than puree for a fresher taste. Avoid using generic brands as they may lack flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. You can also include finely chopped fresh chili peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick. Just remember to taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).