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Flavorful Pasta Puttanesca Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Italian Classic

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A quick and easy Italian classic pasta puttanesca with bold flavors from olives, capers, anchovies, and garlic, ready in under 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 4 finely chopped anchovy fillets. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until garlic is fragrant and anchovies have mostly dissolved. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden, not brown.
  3. Stir in 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes and immediately add 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add 1/2 cup (75 g) pitted and halved Kalamata olives and 2 tbsp rinsed capers. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting flavors meld. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  5. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if it feels dry.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan if desired and extra chili flakes for more heat.

Notes

Do not rinse pasta after draining to keep starch for sauce adhesion. Use quality anchovies for umami depth. Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Avoid burnt garlic to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta puttanesca, Italian pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy Italian dinner, olives, capers, anchovies, garlic pasta

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-pasta-puttanesca-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-italian-classic/