Pasta Puttanesca

Pasta Puttanesca

6 servings
Our take on this dish, famously named for the fact that Italy's "ladies of the evening" quickly made it between clients, is just as fast and easy as the original and requires nothing more than some everyday items you probably have in your pantry already.

Ingredients

  • dried spaghetti

    spaghettini, or linguine fini

    1 lb
  • garlic cloves

    forced through a garlic press

    5
  • anchovy paste
    2 tsp
  • hot red-pepper flakes
    ½ tsp
  • extra-virgin olive oil
    ⅓ c
  • can whole tomatoes in juice

    preferably italian

    1
  • pitted kalamata olives
    ½ c
  • drained capers
    2 tbsp
  • sugar

    optional

  • coarsely chopped basil
    ¾ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook spaghetti in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (2 1/2 Tbsp salt for 6 qt water) until barely al dente.

  2. 2

    While pasta boils, cook garlic, anchovy paste, red-pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and pale golden, about 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, purée tomatoes with juice in a blender.

  4. 4

    Add tomato purée to garlic oil along with olives and capers and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is ready. Stir in sugar if desired.

  5. 5

    Drain pasta and add to sauce. Simmer, turning pasta with tongs, until pasta is al dente, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with basil.

Pasta Puttanesca

Pasta Puttanesca

30 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a bold, flavorful Italian pasta dish that comes together in a flash? This Pasta Puttanesca recipe is your answer, delivering authentic taste with pantry staples in just 30 minutes.

Dubbed for its swift preparation, this classic Italian favorite lives up to its name, promising a weeknight meal that's both deeply satisfying and incredibly easy. The magic lies in the robust combination of savory anchovy paste, briny olives and capers, and sweet tomatoes, all harmonizing to create a complex sauce from simple, everyday ingredients.

Prepare your palate for a symphony of intense flavors: salty, savory, a touch of spicy heat from the red-pepper flakes, and a bright finish from fresh basil. The vibrant sauce, rich with crushed tomatoes and studded with briny Kalamata olives and capers, clings perfectly to your choice of spaghetti, spaghettini, or linguine fini. This dish is designed to be straightforward and quick, making it perfect for even the busiest evenings where you still want a hearty, flavorful Italian dinner.

While fantastic as is, feel free to experiment. You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer hot red-pepper flakes. For a slightly sweeter sauce that balances the acidity, incorporate the optional sugar. If you prefer a different texture, consider using a thicker pasta like bucatini, though spaghetti, spaghettini, or linguine fini are traditional for their ability to absorb the rich sauce. This naturally dairy-free and nut-free dish is great for various dietary needs.

This vibrant Pasta Puttanesca makes a fantastic main course for a casual dinner or a quick starter. Serve it simply with a crisp green salad to round out the meal.

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