Pasta Puttanesca

Serves 4

by Dawn Yanagihara-Mitchell
from Fine Cooking
Issue 108
Last Edit Date: 12/28/2010 4:05:16 PM

Many of the ingredients for this classic flavor-packed pasta may already be in your pantry, making this a perfect weeknight meal.

more about:

Kosher salt
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
4 large cloves garlic, minced
3 oil-packed anchovy fillets, finely chopped (scant 1 Tbs.)
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
One 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 lb. dried spaghetti
1/2 cup pitted brine-cured black olives, such as Kalamata, coarsely chopped
2 Tbs. nonpareil capers, rinsed and drained
1 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano or marjoram
Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.

Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbs. of the olive oil with the garlic in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic

is sizzling, about 2 minutes. Add the anchovies and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is very pale golden, 1 to 2 minutes more. Stir in the tomatoes. Increase the heat to medium high, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.

After adding the tomatoes to the pan, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente.

When the tomato sauce is ready, add the olives, capers, and oregano and stir. Simmer until just heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 Tbs. olive oil and season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

When the pasta is ready, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water and drain well. Return the pasta to the pot, set it over medium-low heat, pour in the sauce, and toss, adding cooking water as needed for the sauce to coat the pasta. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with this easy Garlic-Parmesan Bread.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 720; Fat (g): 22; Fat Calories (kcal): 190; Saturated Fat (g): 3.5; Protein (g): 30; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 13; Carbohydrates (g): 103; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 3.5; Sodium (mg): 2590; Cholesterol (mg): 30; Fiber (g): 10;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by booch221, 12/2/2011Very good. I was able to make it without going to the store, with some substitutions. First of all, I wanted to halve the recipe so I used only 1/2 pound of spaghetti. I used one 14.5 oz. can of ready diced tomatoes, anchovy paste instead of fillets, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano. Served it with fresh chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. This is a keeper.

by highheat, 11/30/2011Excellent sauce - doubled anchovies and simmered slow and longer than recommended.

by jipatro, 1/2/2011I love pasta Puttanesca, but I thought this recipe was too acidic. I added a teaspoon of sugar- and at least a cup of water from the cooked pasta. I would make it again, but with whole tomatoes. I used more than 3 anchovies. They were a subtle addition.

by dparker4267, 12/31/2010Delicious. Salty and spicy and super easy. This is a very forgiving recipe, precise amounts are not necessary. I had all ingredients in pantry or fridge. Came together quick. I served it with green beans and a green salad. Yumm. I felt Italian.

by HanaTian, 12/29/2010I love this recipe. Quick and easy with all the ingredients in my cupboard. I use more garlic and San Marzano tomatoes. A handfull of chopped parsley sprinkled at the end is very nice.