Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca
A bold, savory Italian pasta dish with olives, capers, anchovies, and tomatoes, offering a perfect balance of salty, spicy, and umami flavors for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 12 oz.) can Italian style tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pitted salt-cured black olives
- 1 Tbsp. capers ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed dried red pepper
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- pinch of black pepper ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) can flat anchovies ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped Italian parsley ⓘ
- 1 lb. spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet; add minced garlic and drained anchovies.
- Saute over low heat for about 1 minute, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes with their juice, chopped black olives, capers, crushed red pepper, dried oregano, and black pepper.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to break up the tomatoes, until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in chopped Italian parsley and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper. You can substitute the anchovies with a bit of soy sauce for a vegetarian version. If you're short on olives, green olives can work as an alternative. This dish is excellent with a side of Garlic Pasta Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or Italian Style Asparagus for a balanced meal. For added richness, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for entertaining and can be served with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, making it a delightful addition to any Italian meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if necessary. This pasta can also be served cold as a pasta salad, making it versatile for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca contains roughly 331 calories, with 9g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (119% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value), and calcium (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1869mg per serving (81% 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 Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cook the spaghetti fresh when you're ready to serve. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I substitute for anchovies if I don't eat fish?
If you're looking for a fish-free option, consider using a bit of miso paste or a splash of soy sauce to replicate the umami flavor that anchovies provide. You can also simply omit them for a vegetarian version without compromising the dish's integrity.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, and follow the rest of the recipe as is. You'll still enjoy the same delicious flavor without the gluten.
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).