Puttanesca (Hooker'S Pasta)
A bold Italian pasta dish featuring briny olives, anchovies, capers, and garlic, perfect for those who enjoy robust flavors with a spicy kick and quick preparation.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed ⓘ
- 4 ounces Calamata olives, pitted and chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons capers, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large fresh tomato or 10 1/2 ounces canned peeled tomatoes, chopped and drained ⓘ
- 1 can anchovies, chopped
- 1 pound thin spaghetti ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a 2-quart saucepan and add crushed garlic.
- Do not let the garlic burn. Add chopped Calamata olives, chopped capers, chopped tomato, and chopped anchovies.
- Stir and heat the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider using freshly chopped tomatoes when in season. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the anchovies or substitute them with a bit of seaweed for a similar umami taste. Pairing it with a side salad or garlic bread enhances the meal, reminiscent of Mamma Condon'S Twenty Minute Pasta Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Puttanesca hot, garnished with extra parsley for freshness. It pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad and a glass of red wine. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a slice of Fred'S Pizza Crust for a delightful crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of water to the pasta and warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Puttanesca (Hooker'S Pasta) contains roughly 463 calories, with 41g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (242% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (146% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1534mg per serving (67% 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 Puttanesca ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce while cooking fresh spaghetti to enjoy a quick meal.
Is Puttanesca sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Traditional Puttanesca sauce includes anchovies, but you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting them. Add extra olives or a dash of soy sauce for depth of flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.
What can I serve with Puttanesca?
Puttanesca pairs well with a variety of sides. A simple mixed green salad or garlic bread complements the dish nicely. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with Italian recipes like chicken parmesan or a side of roasted vegetables.
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).