If you're looking to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that bursts with bold flavors and rich history, look no further than Traditional Spaghetti alla Puttanesca. This iconic Italian recipe, with its vibrant mix of tomatoes, olives, and capers, is not only a feast for the senses but also a quick and easy meal that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impromptu gathering, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into our recipe and discover how you can bring a taste of Italy right to your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure you have 400g of spaghetti, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup of sliced black olives, 2 tablespoons of capers, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add the can of diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the garlic and olive oil.
- Once the tomatoes are heated through, add the sliced black olives, capers, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- When the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere to the spaghetti.
- Once well combined, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- To serve, plate the spaghetti alla puttanesca and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your traditional Italian dish!
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: The key to a delicious Spaghetti alla Puttanesca lies in the quality of your ingredients. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes and fresh olives for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: To achieve the perfect al dente texture, be sure to follow the cooking time on the spaghetti package. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook slightly when you add it to the sauce.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love a spicy kick, feel free to add more to suit your taste.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help loosen the sauce and make it cling better to the spaghetti.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Don’t skip this final touch!
- Pair with Wine: For an authentic Italian experience, serve your Spaghetti alla Puttanesca with a glass of Chianti or a light white wine to complement the robust flavors of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
