Savory Mediterranean Delight: Rustic Rigatoni Puttanesca

Rigatoni Puttanesca Recipe

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 352.5
Rating: 4.5 stars
Cuisine: European
Keywords: Stove Top, Less than 4 Hours

Description

Indulge in the robust flavors of Rigatoni Puttanesca, a classic Italian pasta dish celebrated for its tangy and savory profile. This recipe balances the briny essence of olives and capers with the sweetness of Italian plum tomatoes, all infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish promises to satisfy and delight with every bite.

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Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

2. Cook the Tomatoes:

   • Crush the Italian plum tomatoes slightly and add them to the saucepan along with their liquid.
   • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Enhance the Flavor:

   • Coarsely chop the anchovies and add them to the saucepan along with their oil for an added depth of umami flavor.
   • Stir in black olives, capers, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and fresh coarse ground black pepper. Mix well.

4. Simmer the Sauce:

   • Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to intensify and the sauce to thicken to a rich consistency.

5. Prepare the Pasta:

   • While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Cook the rigatoni pasta in the boiling water until it is just tender (al dente), typically 10 to 12 minutes or according to package instructions.

6. Combine and Serve:

   • Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to a serving bowl or individual plates.
   • Spoon the puttanesca sauce generously over the pasta.
   • Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

7. Enjoy Your Meal:

   • Sit back, savor the flavors, and enjoy this hearty Rigatoni Puttanesca with your favorite company. Don’t forget to pass around extra Parmesan cheese for those who crave an extra touch of indulgence.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 352.5 kcal
• Fat: 10.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.9 g
• Cholesterol: 57.4 mg
• Sodium: 679.7 mg
• Carbohydrates: 52.6 g
  • Fiber: 5.4 g
  • Sugar: 7.5 g
• Protein: 13.8 g

Tips for Success

• Quality Ingredients: Use ripe Italian plum tomatoes and good-quality olives and capers to enhance the authenticity of the dish.
• Balancing Flavors: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for spiciness.
• Cooking Pasta: Be mindful not to overcook the rigatoni; al dente pasta holds up better against the robust sauce.

Variations

• Seafood Twist: Add anchovies or even small shrimp to the sauce for a seafood-rich variation.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the anchovies for a vegetarian version that still bursts with flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta for rigatoni to accommodate dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Rigatoni Puttanesca pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a complete Italian dining experience, serve alongside crusty bread and a glass of your favorite red wine. This dish also makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors continue to meld together overnight.

Conclusion

Mastering Rigatoni Puttanesca allows you to bring the essence of Italian cuisine into your kitchen with its bold flavors and comforting appeal. Whether you’re cooking for a family weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process of cooking as much as the meal itself, and relish in the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. Cheers to good food and good company!