Scrod Putanesca
Scrod Putanesca is a flavorful and hearty seafood dish featuring tender scrod fillets simmered in a spicy, tangy tomato sauce with olives, capers, and garlic. Perfect for seafood lovers, it combines bold Mediterranean flavors with quick preparation, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, add canola or vegetable oil and garlic; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, sliced black olives, capers, and crushed red pepper; simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Wash scrod in cold water and towel dry.
- Add scrod to the tomato mixture and cook until fish is opaque and flakes easily, about 8-10 minutes.
- Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions, drain, and serve alongside the scrod putanesca.
Tips & Substitutions
For a stronger flavor, consider adding anchovies to the sauce while simmering. If you can't find fresh scrod, substitute with cod or haddock. To save time, use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder. For a gluten-free option, swap the angel hair pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Francis B'S Salad for a fresh contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the scrod putanesca over the angel hair pasta, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also enhance the dish. This meal pairs well with a light white wine or a refreshing Orange Sangria for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the scrod putanesca in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. The angel hair pasta can be reheated separately, or served cold as a pasta salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scrod Putanesca contains roughly 654 calories, with 10g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 956mg per serving (42% 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 frozen scrod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scrod. Just ensure it's thoroughly thawed and patted dry before adding it to the sauce. This will help achieve the best texture and flavor. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness.
What can I substitute for black olives?
If you don't have black olives, green olives or kalamata olives can work as a substitute, offering a slightly different flavor profile. You can also omit olives entirely if preferred, but consider adding a bit more capers to maintain the briny taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Scrod putanesca is great for meal prep. You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately from the pasta. Just combine them when ready to eat, ensuring the pasta stays fresh and doesn't become soggy.
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).