Spaghetti Pasta Alla Puttanesca
A classic Italian-inspired recipe that brings the bold flavors of a spicy red sauce to your plate, the Spaghetti Pasta Alla Puttanesca is perfect for those seeking a quick, yet satisfying lunch. With just a few ingredients, you can have a flavorful dish on the table in under 30 minutes. The richness of tomato puree, the briny tang of capers, the savory depth of black olives, and the aromatic blend of oregano and thyme come together to create a bold and irresistible meal.
Ingredients
The following ingredients will help you create the perfect plate of Spaghetti Pasta Alla Puttanesca.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Durum Wheat Spaghetti Pasta (or Conchiglie/Linguine) | 150 grams |
| Fresh Ginger (sliced) | 1/2 inch |
| Black Olives (sliced) | 4 pieces |
| Capers (optional) | 5-6 pieces |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Thyme Leaves | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil (for cooking) | As needed |
| Lukewarm Water | As needed |
| Tomatoes (pureed) | 4 tomatoes |
| Small Tomato (chopped coarsely) | 1 small |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
Nutritional Information
While the recipe is primarily vegetarian and simple, it packs a punch in terms of flavor and energy. The following is an approximation of the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 56g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 330 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 30% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 6% of Daily Value |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Red Sauce
Start by preparing the rich red sauce for your pasta. Begin by pureeing the tomatoes into a fine paste using a blender or food processor. Set aside for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Take a large pan or skillet and heat some oil over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, and sauté gently. Stir occasionally, letting the onions become translucent, and season with a pinch of salt to help them sweat and soften.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the tomato puree to the pan and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Season the sauce with black pepper powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme leaves. Adjust the seasoning to taste. If you like your sauce spicier, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this point.
Step 5: Add the Capers and Olives
Next, add the capers (if you’re using them) to the sauce, and let it cook for another 5 minutes to integrate the flavors. Then, add the chopped black olives to the sauce. Stir to combine everything, and switch off the heat.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook your spaghetti (or alternative pasta like conchiglie or linguine) according to the package instructions. Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water to help thicken the sauce if needed.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the flavorful sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved lukewarm water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the Spaghetti Pasta Alla Puttanesca and serve hot. Garnish with additional oregano or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the bold, tangy, and spicy flavors of this simple yet satisfying Italian dish!
Tips for Success
- For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of anchovy paste or whole anchovies to the sauce as it cooks. The anchovies dissolve into the sauce and create a subtle umami richness.
- To make the dish spicier, you can add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the pasta with any type you like, from penne to fettuccine.
This Spaghetti Pasta Alla Puttanesca recipe is the epitome of Italian simplicity and heartiness. With its bold flavors, it delivers a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress, all in under 30 minutes! Enjoy this dish for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner.
