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Classic Pasta Puttanesca

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This classic Pasta Puttanesca recipe is a quick and flavorful Italian pasta dish made with spaghetti, garlic, anchovies, olives, capers, and a rich tomato sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this bold and savory pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, offering authentic Italian flavor with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 anchovy fillets, chopped
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • ¾ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and chopped anchovy fillets. Stir continuously until the anchovies dissolve into the oil, about 1–2 minutes.
  • Stir in the red pepper flakes, sliced olives, and capers. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  • Season with black pepper and taste before adding salt, as the olives, capers, and anchovies already add saltiness.
  • Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce.
  • Toss the pasta with the sauce until fully coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Anchovies melt into the sauce and create rich umami flavor without tasting fishy.Use Kalamata olives for the most authentic briny flavor.Add shrimp or tuna for extra protein.Fresh basil can be added for extra freshness.Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute.The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for easy meals.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/the-pasta-puttanesca/