Pasta Puttanesca - Naples, Italy

Servings: 4

Author: Chef Connie

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Pasta Puttanesca - Italy

Pasta Puttanesca is a bold, flavorful Italian dish with a rich, tangy sauce that’s quick and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 25 Min

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Ingredients

• Pasta: 14 oz spaghetti or linguine
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 4 cloves, finely sliced
• Anchovy fillets: 6, chopped (optional for vegetarians, omit or substitute with capers)
• Red chili flakes: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Capers: 2 tablespoons, rinsed and drained
• Kalamata olives: 1/2 cup, pitted and halved
• Canned tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz), crushed or diced
• Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt: To taste
• Black pepper: To taste
• Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional): Grated, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the chopped anchovies, if using, until they dissolve in the oil.
4. Add the red chili flakes, capers, and olives to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Add the canned tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
7. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remember, the anchovies, olives, and capers are salty, so season carefully.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and, if desired, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

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Pasta Puttanesca is a classic Italian dish that never fails to impress with its bold and robust flavors. Originating from Naples, this dish is a perfect marriage between ingredients that pack a punch. The pasta is tossed in a savory sauce that combines tomatoes, garlic, olives, capers, and anchovies. The combination of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors, ranging from salty and tangy to slightly briny. The rich tomato base is infused with the aromatic garlic and the umami notes of the anchovies. The olives and capers add a delightful burst of saltiness, creating a tantalizing balance. Served over al dente pasta, Pasta Puttanesca is sure to transport you to the heart of Italy with its vibrant and unforgettable taste.