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Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Learn how to make authentic Spaghetti alla Puttanesca, a quick and flavorful Italian pasta dish from Naples, Italy. This guide includes the key ingredients like tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, and chili flakes, along with step-by-step instructions, tips, and serving suggestions. Explore variations and discover why this pasta is a favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 200 g spaghetti or other long pasta
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced (knife, not garlic press)
  • 3 fillets anchovy finely minced
  • 0.25 cup pitted black olives preferably in oil, quartered
  • 1 tbsp capers drained
  • 0.25 tsp chilli flakes (red pepper flakes)
  • 400 g crushed tomato (or hand crush whole canned tomatoes)
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 1 tsp fresh oregano roughly chopped (sub 1/4 tsp dried)
  • 0.125 tsp kosher / cooking salt (or 2 pinches table salt)
  • 0.125 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp sugar if needed (depends on tomato quality)
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil roughly chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the anchovies and cook, stirring, until they dissolve, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add the olives, capers, and chili flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in the oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  8. Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, adding a little pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir in the basil.
  9. Serve immediately, drizzling with extra olive oil if desired.

Notes

Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti alla Puttanesca!