Dinner

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Name: Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 anchovy fillets, chopped; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1/3 cup pitted black olives, sliced; 2 tbsp capers, drained; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

ByMariem December 30, 2025

Jump to Recipe

A bold Italian pasta with pungent olives, capers, tomatoes and garlic, tossed with al dente spaghetti.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic Roman dish marries salty olives, briny capers, and vibrant tomato sauce for a flavour‑packed, satisfying pasta that comes together quickly.

ingredients

spaghetti
olive oil
garlic, sliced
crushed red pepper flakes
canned diced tomatoes
black olives, pitted and halved
capers, drained
fresh parsley
salt
black pepper
grated Parmesan (optional)

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

directions

Cook spaghetti until al dente.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes.
Add tomatoes, olives, and capers.
Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
Toss pasta with the sauce and season.
Garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add anchovies for deeper umami.
• Use fresh cherry tomatoes in season.
• Finish with lemon zest for brightness.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of olive oil or water.

FAQs

What olives work best?

Kalamata or black olives complement the sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

Red pepper flakes add mild heat; adjust to taste.

Can I use whole tomatoes?

Yes, crush them as they cook.

Why is this sauce salty?

Capers and olives are salty; adjust salt accordingly.

Can I add protein?

Grilled chicken or shrimp make a hearty addition.

Is this gluten‑free?

Use gluten‑free pasta.

What cheese pairs well?

Parmesan or Pecorino Romano enhances flavour.

Should the sauce be thick?

Yes, simmer to concentrate flavours.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Freeze sauce separately; pasta can become soft.

What wine pairs well?

A crisp white or light red complements the acidity.

Conclusion

Spaghetti alla puttanesca is a quick, flavour‑intense pasta that highlights bold Mediterranean ingredients — perfect for a weeknight meal or Italian feast.

Mariem