Pasta Puttanesca
30 min · 10 steps
Medium: 31–60 min or 7–12 steps
About this dish
Anchovies, capers, olives, and chilli simmered into a brash, intensely savoury tomato sauce — bold, punchy, and pantry-ready in under 30 minutes.
Allergy Info
Gluten, Fish
Diet Info
Pescatarian
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
- garlic clovesthinly sliced4
- fresh flat-leaf parsley to serve
Tins & Jars
- anchovy fillets in oildrained4
- tinned chopped tomatoes400 g
- pitted black olivesroughly chopped60 g
- capersrinsed2 tbsp
Dried Goods
- spaghetti or linguine160 g
Spices & Seasonings
- chilli flakes1 tsp
- dried oregano1 tsp
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Oils & Condiments
- olive oil3 tbsp
Utensils
- Large frying pan
- Large pot
- Colander
- Chef's knife
- Chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cup
Method
Thinly slice the garlic cloves, drain the anchovy fillets, rinse the capers, and roughly chop the black olives.
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat.
Add the sliced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until pale golden.
Add the anchovies and stir for 1 minute until they dissolve into the oil.
Add the chilli flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the tinned tomatoes, olives, capers, and oregano. Season with black pepper and a little salt — anchovies and capers add plenty.
Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in heavily salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 100ml of pasta water before draining.
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss for 1 minute, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen.
Serve immediately topped with freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley.