Pasta Puttanesca
A bold Italian pasta dish featuring savory anchovies, briny olives, and spicy red pepper flakes, perfect for those who enjoy robust, flavorful cuisines with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 28 oz. can Pastene chunky-style tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 12 pitted and chopped Greek Kalamata olives ⓘ
- 1 can anchovy fillets, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound cooked linguine pasta ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep frypan.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until garlic is lightly colored.
- Add canned tomatoes, red pepper flakes, chopped olives, and chopped anchovy fillets.
- Let the sauce cook for about 25 minutes.
- Cook linguine pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce.
- Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding capers or fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit the anchovies. You can substitute any short pasta if linguine isn't available, but remember to adjust cooking times accordingly. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad to balance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta Puttanesca with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes excellent sides. This dish also pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine, enhancing the robust flavors. For a complete meal, consider including a light dessert like sorbet.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the pasta and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Puttanesca contains roughly 1487 calories, with 13g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (286% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1440mg per serving (63% 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 Pasta Puttanesca vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the anchovies. You might want to add additional olives or capers for depth of flavor. The dish will still be delicious without the anchovies, maintaining the vibrant taste characteristic of Italian recipes.
What type of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?
Canned chunky-style tomatoes work best for a hearty sauce, but you can also use crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes if preferred. If using fresh tomatoes, make sure to peel and chop them before adding them to the sauce for a similar texture.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it for a longer time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the tomatoes with a fork or add a small amount of tomato paste. Both methods will help achieve a more concentrated flavor and thicker consistency.
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).