Puttanesca Pasta Sauce
Puttanesca pasta sauce boasts bold flavors with briny olives, capers, anchovies, and roasted red peppers, creating a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy profile. Perfect for those who enjoy robust Italian-inspired dishes, this sauce pairs beautifully with pasta for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup black olives ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 can (32 oz.) Italian style peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 jar roasted red peppers
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons capers
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 2 ounces anchovies ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut black olives into small pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over low heat.
- Add chopped garlic and cook, stirring for 1 minute or until golden.
- Stir in undrained peeled tomatoes, roasted red peppers, tomato paste, olives, capers, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in anchovies and chopped parsley, and simmer for 2 minutes longer.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving over your favorite pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Kalamata olives instead of black olives. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the anchovies and add extra capers for a salty kick. Fresh herbs, like basil, can be a great addition. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning, especially if you're using canned tomatoes, which can vary in acidity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Puttanesca sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side of Italian Tomato Salad for a complete dinner. You can also top it with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. This sauce also freezes well, so consider making a double batch for future meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Puttanesca Pasta Sauce contains roughly 193 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (148% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 sauce ahead of time?
Yes, Puttanesca sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day or two. Just reheat it gently before serving over freshly cooked pasta.
What can I substitute for anchovies?
If you're looking for a substitute for anchovies, you can use a combination of extra capers and a splash of soy sauce to achieve a similar umami flavor. For a completely vegetarian option, consider using miso paste to add depth.
Is this sauce spicy?
The level of spiciness in Puttanesca sauce can be adjusted based on your preference. The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat, so you can reduce the amount or omit them entirely for a milder sauce. Taste as you go to find the right balance for you.
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).