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Homemade Spaghetti alla Puttanesca photo

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

This Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is a quick and flavorful Italian classic, ready in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing
  • 4 large garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 28.2-ounce can peeled tomatoes in puree with basil
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives halved, pitted
  • 3 anchovy fillets chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons capers drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
  • 3/4 pound spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  3. Stir in the chopped anchovies and cook until they dissolve into the oil. Then, add the canned tomatoes with their puree, Kalamata olives, capers, dried oregano, and dried crushed red pepper. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
  4. Once the sauce has thickened, add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the Spaghetti alla Puttanesca hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Chop ingredients in advance for quicker prep time.
  • Store the sauce separately from the pasta for best flavor.
  • Omit anchovies for a vegetarian version or use miso paste for umami.