Spaghetti alla puttanesca with anchovies, olives and capers

Savor the bold flavors of Spaghetti alla Puttanesca with anchovies, olives, capers, and parmesan cheese. This classic Italian pasta dish features a rich sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, red pepper, and fresh parsley, balanced with the earthy intensity of dried basil and oregano. Complete with a generous ¼ cup of grated parmesan, this recipe promises a delightful and tangy culinary experience that's perfect for any pasta lover. Get ready for a taste sensation that combines simplicity and deeply satisfying flavors.

16 May 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1.75 cans canned tomatoes
1 tsp dried basil
1.50 tbsp capers
12 oz pasta
3 oz anchovy
2 tbsp fresh parsley
1/4 red pepper
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup olives
4 garlic cloves
1/4 cup olive oil
Spaghetti alla puttanesca with anchovies, olives and capers

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is a bold and flavorful pasta dish that originates from Italy. This recipe combines the robust flavors of anchovies, olives, and capers with the richness of parmesan cheese and the aromatics of dried basil and oregano. It's a quick yet delectable meal perfect for any occasion.

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
- Mince the garlic.
- Finely chop the red pepper.
- Slice the pitted olives.
- Chop the fresh parsley.
- Grate the parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.
2. Cooking the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring plenty of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
3. Making the Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped red pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the pepper softens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the anchovies and cook, breaking them up with a spoon, until they dissolve into the oil, about 3 minutes.
- Add the capers, olives, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Combining Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the puttanesca sauce.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water at a time to reach the desired consistency.
5. Finishing Touches:
- Stir in the fresh parsley.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss gently.
6. Serving:
- Serve the Spaghetti alla Puttanesca hot.
- Optionally, garnish with a bit more fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips:

- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer flavor in the sauce.

- Rinse the capers to reduce their saltiness before adding them to the sauce.

- Cook the pasta al dente to ensure it has a perfect texture that complements the sauce.

- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of anchovies or balance it with a bit more olive oil.

- Add the red pepper towards the end of the cooking process to maintain its crunch and color.

- Make sure to stir the pasta into the sauce thoroughly so every strand is well-coated.

- For an added burst of freshness, garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

In conclusion, Spaghetti alla Puttanesca offers a delightful combination of salty, savory, and tangy flavors that make for a satisfying and memorable meal. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it an ideal recipe for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy your Spaghetti alla Puttanesca with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous dusting of parmesan cheese.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 450kcal
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 77g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 7g
Fat 22g

More recipes

Italian stuffed eggplant

Perfect for a satisfying dinner that's bursting with flavor.

19 Apr 2025

Zucchini, ricotta and pumpkin tarts

Try this easy-to-follow recipe and bring a taste of gourmet to your kitchen.

22 Mar 2025

Spaghetti with tomatoes

Ready in no time and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, it's the perfect dish for a quick and delicious meal.

02 Jun 2025

Roast capsicum & ricotta crostini

Perfect for any gathering.

16 Mar 2025

Simple spaghetti bolognaise

Perfect for any night of the week.

26 Mar 2025

Ravioli with roast pumpkin, ricotta and spinach

Ideal for a cozy meal, our step-by-step guide ensures a delightful culinary experience.

03 Jun 2025

Whole-wheat pasta with fresh tomato basil sauce and parmesan cheese

Healthy, simple, and bursting with fresh flavors—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

23 May 2025

Parmesan chicken alfredo with mozzarella and garlic

Perfect for a hearty family dinner.

27 May 2025

Posts