Spaghetti puttanesca is a classic Italian dish known for its bold and vibrant flavors. This quick and easy recipe combines simple pantry staples to create a delicious and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Anchovy fillets add a unique umami flavor, while Capers bring a tangy and briny taste. Both can be found in the canned or jarred section of your supermarket. Make sure to check the international or Italian food aisle for these items.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Puttanesca
Spaghetti: A type of pasta made from durum wheat and water, commonly used in Italian cuisine.
Olive oil: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, used for sautéing and adding flavor.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Anchovy fillets: Small, salty fish that add depth and umami to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
Crushed tomatoes: Provides a rich and tangy base for the sauce.
Black olives: Adds a briny and slightly bitter flavor.
Capers: Small, pickled flower buds that add a tangy and salty taste.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh and herbaceous note to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a mild heat and enhances the other flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing garlic for this dish, make sure to mince it finely to ensure it evenly distributes its flavor throughout the sauce. Additionally, when cooking the anchovies, allow them to melt into the olive oil; this will create a rich, umami base for your Puttanesca sauce.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
spaghetti - Substitute with zucchini noodles: For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles provide a similar texture and can absorb the flavors of the sauce well.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for sautéing.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish if garlic is not available.
anchovy fillets - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor, though it will be less fishy.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a similar level of heat to the dish.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be used if crushed tomatoes are not available, though the texture will be slightly chunkier.
black olives - Substitute with green olives: Green olives can provide a similar briny flavor, though they are slightly more tangy.
capers - Substitute with green peppercorns: Green peppercorns can offer a similar briny and tangy flavor, though they are slightly less salty.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can provide a different but complementary herbaceous note to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with additional umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat and flavor, though it is slightly milder.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
Allow the spaghetti puttanesca to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the pasta soggy.
Transfer the spaghetti to an airtight container. If you have a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier reheating.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The spaghetti puttanesca will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, place the cooled spaghetti puttanesca in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. The spaghetti puttanesca can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the spaghetti in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
Reheat the spaghetti puttanesca in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to revive the flavors and add a touch of freshness.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.
- Add the leftover spaghetti puttanesca to the skillet.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, adding a bit of water or crushed tomatoes if the sauce appears too thick.
- Heat until the pasta is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the spaghetti puttanesca to a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a tablespoon of water to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the spaghetti puttanesca in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
- Stir halfway through the reheating process for even warming.
Boiling Water Method:
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil.
- Place the leftover spaghetti puttanesca in a heatproof colander.
- Submerge the colander in the boiling water for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove and let drain, then transfer to a serving dish.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the spaghetti puttanesca in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir gently before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Use this to cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked spaghetti.
Large skillet: Perfect for heating the olive oil and cooking the garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the skillet to ensure even cooking.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, red pepper flakes, and capers.
Chef's knife: Use this to mince the garlic and chop the anchovy fillets.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and mincing ingredients.
Can opener: Required for opening the can of crushed tomatoes.
Mixing bowl: Handy for holding the sliced olives and drained capers before adding them to the skillet.
Tongs: Useful for tossing the cooked spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet.
Serving bowl: Perfect for presenting the finished spaghetti puttanesca.
Grater: Optional, but useful if you want to add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese as an extra garnish.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Mince the garlic and chop the anchovy fillets in advance to streamline cooking.
Use pre-sliced olives: Opt for pre-sliced black olives to save chopping time.
Simmer while boiling: Start simmering the sauce while the spaghetti is boiling to synchronize cooking times.
One-pot method: Cook the spaghetti in the same skillet after the sauce is ready to reduce dishwashing.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of sauce and freeze portions for future quick meals.
Spaghetti Puttanesca Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 anchovy fillets, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (400g)
- ½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoon capers, drained
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is fragrant.
- 3. Add the crushed tomatoes, olives, and capers. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- 4. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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