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I’ve been wanting to make Pasta Puttanesca since I read about it in a book on my way to Blogher Food last year. In Belong to Me the heroine finds comfort in plates of Pasta Puttanesca. The book describes it as a sensual meal, a dish that whores would make to lure men into their bordellos.
A quick internet search yields numerous explanations for the origins of this classic pasta dish, but whatever the origin, this spicy, quick and easy pasta is perfect comfort food. You can throw it together quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and it’s ready to eat as soon as the pasta is done cooking.
I adapted Rachel Ray’s Pasta Puttanesca recipe from The Food Network. Since I’m allergic to fish I omitted the anchovy fillets. I liked her tip to buy olives from the bulk bins at the market because they’re cheaper than buying a jar.
Besides be a terrific meal, it’s just fun to say – Pasta Puttanesca. Give this one a try with those leftover capers from the Chicken Piccata.
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Pasta Puttanesca
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 20 oil-cured black olives pitted and coarsely chopped
- 3 tablespoons capers
- 1 32-ounce can diced tomatoes in puree
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil, garlic, and crushed pepper. Saute mixture until garlic is tender, about 3 minutes. Add olives, capers, tomatoes, black pepper, and parsley.
- Bring sauce to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 8 to 10 minutes. When pasta is al dente, drain and add to sauce.
More delicious, easy pasta recipes:
Linguine in Lemon Cream Sauce Barbara Bakes
Red Pepper, Garlic and Herb Ravioli Barbara Bakes
Pasta with Chicken, Grilled Onions and Sun Dried Tomatoes Vino Luci
Green Bean Pasta with Goat Cheese & Candied Walnuts Cheeky Kitchen
Deborah
I’ve always wanted to try this! It looks amazing!
Aggie
one of my all time favorite pastas ever!!
Cookin' Canuck
Pasta puttanesca is one of my favorite comfort dishes. Capers, olives – what’s not to like? Great recipe, Barbara!
Eliana
This sauce looks to die for Barbara!
Joy
I am lovig this recipe. It looks great.
Amanda
Oh sounds delicious Barbara! I’m always looking for new pasta dishes, love experimenting with them 🙂
teresa
the thought of that rich tomatoey sauce with pasta is making my mouth water! it looks and sounds just lovely!
Mimi
This is one of our favorite quickie dinners.
Mimi
marla {family fresh cooking}
Puttanesca is my all time favorite pasta/everything sauce. Soooo much flavor. I do use the anchovies, but it is great even without. xo
Cakelaw
I love this pasta dish – I use Jamie Oliver’s recipe.
Blond Duck
I’ve always wanted to make it!