Pasta Ala Puttanesca
A classic Italian pasta dish featuring bold flavors of anchovies, olives, and tomatoes, perfect for those craving a quick, savory, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy skillet, heat olive oil and mash garlic; sauté briefly and lower the flame.
- Add anchovy fillets and mash with a fork to break them down.
- Add diced tomatoes, cover, and cook at high flame for 5 minutes, stirring at least twice.
- Add Gaeta olives and salted capers; cook at medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
- Pour the sauce over cooked spaghetti and serve hot. Add black pepper to taste if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced. If you can't find Gaeta olives, Kalamata olives make a suitable substitute. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice kick. For a vegetarian version, omit the anchovies and add more capers for a salty flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Linguine And Shrimp In Cheese Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pasta Ala Puttanesca with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhance the flavors beautifully. This dish also pairs well with seafood recipes, making it a versatile addition to your dinner repertoire.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, but adding a little moisture helps maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Ala Puttanesca contains roughly 1094 calories, with 17g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1497mg per serving (65% 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. About 1.5 pounds of ripe tomatoes will work well. Blanch and peel them before dicing to remove the skin, and adjust the cooking time as fresh tomatoes may release more liquid.
What can I serve with Pasta Ala Puttanesca?
This dish is delicious on its own but can be complemented by a side of garlic bread or a light arugula salad. A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, also pairs nicely with the bold flavors of the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked spaghetti for a quick meal.
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).