Puttanesca, a classic Italian sauce known for its bold flavors, is a delicious combination of tomatoes, garlic, anchovies, capers, and olives. In our recipe, we’ve streamlined the process by cooking the tomato sauce and pasta together in one skillet, making it a quick and convenient dish. For a lightly thickened sauce, we’ve used whole peeled tomatoes pulsed in the food processor, which provides consistent results. Sautéing the anchovies, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates a savory foundation of flavor while adding chopped kalamata olives and capers at the end preserves their briny notes and adds a burst of taste. It’s important to simmer the tomatoes gently to achieve the desired consistency. With these simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying Puttanesca sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Now, let’s delve into the details of this delicious recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 (14.5-ounce) cans of whole peeled tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving
- 6 anchovy fillets, rinsed and minced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups water
- 12 ounces thin spaghetti or spaghettini, broken in half
- ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped coarse
- ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- Grated Parmesan cheese
PREPARATION:
- Pulse tomatoes in a food processor until coarsely ground and no large pieces remain about 12 pulses.
- In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook 2 tablespoons of olive oil, anchovies, garlic, and red pepper flakes over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stir in the processed tomatoes and ½ teaspoon of salt. Simmer gently until the tomatoes no longer taste raw, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in water and pasta. Cover the skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook at a vigorous simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Stir in olives, parsley, capers, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
TIPS:
- Use high-quality anchovies to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- Calories: 510
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 79g
- Protein: 17g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 1490mg
In conclusion, this one-skillet Puttanesca pasta is a testament to the flavors and convenience of classic Italian cuisine. The combination of tomatoes, garlic, anchovies, capers, and olives creates a robust and vibrant sauce that infuses every strand of pasta. By cooking the sauce and pasta together in one skillet, you save time and simplify the cooking process.
The choice to pulse whole peeled tomatoes in a food processor gives the sauce a lightly thickened consistency while maintaining its authenticity. The anchovies, garlic, and red pepper flakes provide a depth of flavor that sets the foundation for the sauce. The addition of kalamata olives and capers adds a briny and tangy element that balances the richness of the sauce perfectly.
This Puttanesca recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your preference. Serve it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch that enhances the flavors.
With its simplicity and bold flavors, this dish is an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. It showcases the beauty of Italian cuisine and allows you to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your own home.
To elevate the dish further, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a glass of your favorite wine to complete the meal.
In conclusion, this Puttanesca pasta recipe delivers flavor, convenience, and versatility. It brings together the boldness of tomatoes, garlic, anchovies, capers, and olives in a harmonious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. With its time-saving one-skillet method, this dish is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of Italian cuisine.
