Authentic Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (2024)

When it comes to classic Italian pasta recipes, Pasta Puttanesca was one of the most requested pasta sauces I made during my career as a chef.

The simplicity of the recipe creates a complex flavor profile that helps you understand how this timeless classic has become a staple in Italian households around the world.

What is Pasta Puttanesca?

Pasta Puttanesca is a spicy tomato-based classic Italian dish that can be made easily with pantry staples. Canned tomatoes, capers, anchovies, olives. garlic and spices, create a bright flavorful sauce that will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure!

Why is it called Pasta Puttanesca?

If you’ve never heard of Pasta Puttanesca, (aka spaghetti alla puttanesca) its humble beginnings are linked to the prostitutes of Italy during world war II. Puttanesca roughly translates to “lady of the night” which offers credence to this story, but others point to a different reason, how this pungent, aromatic sauce got its name.

But no matter how the name came about, it’s a delicious quick dinner that can be on your dinner table faster than ordering takeout.

One of my other favorite classic pasta recipes is Cacio e Pepe.

What ingredients are in Pasta Puttanesca?

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my recipe. In Chef Speak, this is called the Mise en Place, which translates into Everything in its Place.

Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

Do I have to use anchovies to make pasta puttanesca?

Well, it’s kind of what makes the pasta sauce what it is. But that being said, if you have an aversion to anchovies, don’t use them. My simple rule is to cook with what you like to eat. After all, this is your dinner, so adapt the pasta recipe to your tastes.

Can I add green olives to this dish?

Of course, you can. Traditionally it’s made with Kalamata olives (even though their origin is Greek), but any dry-cured or brined black olive will work.

How do I make pasta puttanesca?

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, anchovy paste and chili flakes to the pan. Saute for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Crush the tomatoes by hand then add them to the pan along with the salt and black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

After allowing the sauce to cook, add the tomato paste, olives and capers to the pan. Turn the heat down and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.

While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta al dente in salted boiling water according to package directions.

Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the basil, parsley and lemon zest. Season again with salt and pepper to taste as needed.

The finished pasta sauce is a thing of beauty. Typically this sauce is cooked fairly quickly, but feel free to allow it to simmer for up to an hour. It will make the sauce even more flavorful.

Another quick and easy weeknight pasta dish is my Pasta Aglio Olio with Broccoli Rabe.

Chef Dennis Tip:

*If the sauce starts to get too thick, add a little of the pasta water to the sauce.

Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley, lemon zest and chili flakes.

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca has always been one of my favorite pasta recipes. Wouldn’t it make a delicious weeknight dinner?

Recipe FAQ’s:

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