Pasta alla Puttanesca is fast, sultry, and deeply satisfying. It’s found its way into many parts of Italy. It is very versatile and can be used on pasta, rice, meat, or even as a bruschetta topping. Anchovies are a common ingredient, but the Neapolitan version is made without. The capers and olives provide the rich umami flavor. Enjoy!
This vegetarian version is packed with savory flavors.Classic Pasta alla Puttanesca
Ingredients
– 3 Tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, peeled and cut in thin slices
– 1 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced in half
– 2 tablespoons capers
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil, roughly chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 3/4 lb dried pasta or 1 batch fresh pasta– (spaghetti, fettuccine, or tagliatelle are good choices)
– a few springs of fresh Italian parsley, roughly chopped
– fine sea salt
– optional: grated Parmesan cheeseDirections
1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and add garlic. Cook on low heat for a minute or two until garlic is fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, olives, capers, brine, and herbs. Turn up the heat to simmer gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes until it thickens up a bit. Salt to taste.
2. Meanwhile, bring salted pasta water to a boil and cook pasta as indicated on the package. If using fresh pasta, cook for 4 minutes.
3. When pasta is al dente, drain and add directly to sauce. Heat the pasta and sauce, stirring gently for 5 minutes. This will allow the pasta to soak up the sauce.
4. Spoon everything onto a serving platter and sprinkle generously with chopped parsley. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side. Be sure to have some sliced Italian bread to sop up the sauce.
Buon appetito!
It’s delicious!
Hi Scott, glad you like it!