Puttanesca(Olive And Anchovy Pasta Sauce)
A bold Italian pasta sauce featuring olives, anchovies, garlic, and tomatoes, perfect for those who appreciate savory, umami-rich flavors with a touch of heat.
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried red hot pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olive oil
- 1/3 c. minced fresh parsley leaves
- 4 drained canned Italian tomatoes, chopped fine (including 1/3 c. of the juice) ⓘ
- 4 flat anchovy fillets, drained and minced ⓘ
- 6 Mediterranean-style brine-cured black olives, minced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. drained bottled capers ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. spaghetti or pasta of your choice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the garlic and the red pepper flakes in the olive oil over moderately low heat, stirring for 20 seconds.
- Stir in the parsley and cook the mixture for 10 seconds.
- Add the chopped tomatoes with the juice and cook the mixture over moderate heat for 1 minute.
- Add the minced anchovies, olives, and capers, and cook the sauce, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a kettle of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti until it is al dente; drain it.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce in a bowl.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using freshly crushed tomatoes instead of canned ones. If you want a vegetarian version, you can omit the anchovies and add extra olives or mushrooms for umami. For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes. This sauce can also be used on seafood dishes like Seafood Linguine Alfredo for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Puttanesca sauce over spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete Italian dinner, consider serving it alongside Antipasto Rollups or a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it if needed. You can also microwave the pasta, but stir it occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Puttanesca(Olive And Anchovy Pasta Sauce) contains roughly 1476 calories, with 52g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (170% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (139% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1974mg per serving (86% 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 other types of pasta for this Puttanesca sauce?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. The key is to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to hold up against the robust sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I add to the sauce for more protein?
For added protein, consider incorporating cooked shrimp or grilled chicken. Both options complement the flavors of the sauce beautifully and can elevate this dish to a heartier meal, especially for seafood lovers.
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).