Dinner

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Name: Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 400g spaghetti or your preferred pasta; 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 6-8 anchovy fillets, packed in oil, drained and minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1 tsp dried oregano; 800g canned crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped; 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is a traditional Italian pasta from Naples that’s quick to put together from pantry staples. With canned tomatoes, garlic, olives, anchovies, and capers, you can create a simple yet profoundly flavorful sauce in a flash.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the minced anchovy fillets to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the anchovies melt into the oil, about 2-3 minutes. This adds a deep umami flavor.
Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using) and dried oregano. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the chopped olives and capers. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the puttanesca sauce.
Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is a vibrant and intensely flavorful pasta dish hailing from Naples, Italy. Known for its bold and savory profile, it cleverly combines pantry staples into a quick yet utterly satisfying meal. The ‘saucy’ history and punchy flavors make it an essential recipe for any home cook seeking an authentic taste of Southern Italy.