Pasta Puttanesca
AI-generated image
Italian

Pasta Puttanesca

A bold Neapolitan pasta built around briny olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and tomatoes. The sauce comes together while the pasta boils, making this an intensely savory weeknight classic.

30 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Bring 3.5 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add the salt, then add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente, stirring during the first minute to prevent sticking.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the garlic is pale gold and the anchovies have dissolved.
3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, olives, and capers. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and glossy.
4
When the spaghetti is nearly ready, scoop out 250 ml of pasta water. Drain the spaghetti, reserving the water, and add the pasta directly to the skillet.
5
Toss the spaghetti with the sauce over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce clings to every strand. Taste before adding any extra salt because the olives, capers, and anchovies are already salty.
Spaghetti tossed in glossy puttanesca sauce AI-generated image
6
Divide the pasta among four warm bowls, scatter with chopped parsley, and serve immediately while the sauce is glossy and hot.
Pasta Puttanesca topped with parsley in a bowl AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Anchovies melt into garlic-scented olive oil to create depth, while capers and olives provide contrasting salinity. Tomatoes and pasta water round out the sauce into a glossy coating rather than a loose topping.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some sauce as it stands.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, tossing until hot throughout. Do not let the sauce boil vigorously.

Nutrition / serving

541kcal
15.87 gprotein
76.41 gcarbs
18.75 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 17 Aug 2026 · updated 17 Aug 2026