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Quick and Flavorful: Classic Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is a bold, classic Italian pasta dish featuring a savory tomato sauce infused with olives, capers, anchovies, and garlic. It's quick to make and full of rich Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a weeknight meal or a dinner with friends. This traditional recipe delivers authentic taste in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 400 g spaghetti
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 6 fillets anchovies chopped
  • 1 cup black olives sliced
  • 2 tbsp capers rinsed and drained
  • 400 g canned tomatoes crushed
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes optional
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Quick and Flavorful: Classic Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Cooking Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add anchovies and cook until they dissolve into the oil. Stir in olives, capers, and chili flakes, if using.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt if needed.
  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

  • Anchovies: Use high-quality anchovies packed in olive oil for the best flavor. If you're hesitant about their taste, chop them finely so they dissolve seamlessly.
  • Olives: Opt for authentic black olives like Kalamata or Gaeta for a true Mediterranean touch.
  • Capers: Rinse capers well before using to reduce excess saltiness.
  • Pasta Water: Always reserve pasta water. It helps to achieve the perfect sauce consistency when mixing with spaghetti.

Variations

  1. Vegetarian: Skip the anchovies and add sun-dried tomatoes or extra capers for a bold, plant-based alternative.
  2. Spicy: Increase the red chili flakes or add fresh chili peppers for a fiery version.
  3. Gluten-Free: Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly dish.
Keyword Italian Pasta, Mediterranean Dish, Quick Pasta Recipe, Savory Tomato Sauce, Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
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