Name: Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 375g / 12 oz spaghetti; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1/2 cup (75g) pitted black olives, halved; 2 tbsp capers, drained; 800g / 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti alla Puttanesca Recipe

This recipe shines with big, robust flavors from humble ingredients you may already have in your pantry. The briny olives and capers, aromatic garlic, and umami depth from anchovies make a sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti, offering a satisfying meal in just minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a taste of Italy without fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Spaghetti
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Garlic
• Anchovy fillets
• Black olives
• Capers
• Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• Chili flakes
• Oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and briefly sauté the garlic until fragrant.
Add the anchovies, capers, olives, and chili flakes; sauté until the anchovies dissolve and flavors bloom.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, a splash of water, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
Reserve some pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
Add the spaghetti directly into the sauce and toss, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and bind the sauce.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 2 servings and takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking.

Variations

• Vegetarian version – Omit the anchovies and add extra olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
• Heat boost – Add more chili flakes or fresh chopped chili for extra spice.
• Different pasta shapes – Use linguine, bucatini, or other long pasta instead of spaghetti.
• Herb twist – Add fresh parsley or a touch of oregano at the end for added freshness.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze the sauce on its own for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before combining with pasta.

FAQs

What does “alla puttanesca” mean?

“Alla puttanesca” refers to a sauce style made with bold ingredients like olives, capers, and anchovies. The name has colorful origins, but it generally means a strong, flavorful sauce.

Can I skip anchovies?

Yes, anchovies can be omitted to make a vegetarian version. The sauce will still be flavorful due to the olives and capers.

What type of pasta should I use?

Spaghetti is traditional, but linguine, bucatini, or even fettuccine work well too.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from chili flakes, but you can adjust the spiciness to your liking by increasing or reducing the amount used.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh ripe tomatoes or cherry tomatoes can be used, especially when in season, for a brighter flavor.

Do I need to add salt?

Use salt sparingly. Anchovies, olives, and capers already add plenty of saltiness to the dish.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A crisp green salad or crusty bread makes a great accompaniment to balance the richness of the sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat and toss with pasta when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the pasta from clumping?

Toss the pasta directly into the sauce with a bit of reserved pasta water. This helps bind the sauce and keeps the pasta from sticking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta instead of traditional spaghetti.

Conclusion

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is a timeless Italian dish that transforms everyday pantry staples into a rich, satisfying meal. Bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors, it’s a perfect recipe for busy nights or when you want to impress with minimal effort. Whether you follow the traditional version or explore tasty variations, this pasta is sure to become a favorite.