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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
Anna Johnston
You know, strictly speaking I haven’t made this before because I don’t think I’ve used capers in a spaghetti dish, will have to rectify that because this looks really delicious 🙂
Lot-O-Choc
Ooh now this looks like my type of pasta dish! I love olives in pasta, they offer a really nice flavour to it! Oh yum I have cravings now!
Bridgett
I just made Nigella’s version of this. She calls hers Slut Spaghetti which gave me a laugh. I love the simplicity of the flavors in pasta puttanesca and it is so easy to throw together. Yours has me craving it once again!
Jaime {sophistimom}
I love pasta puttanesca! Thank you for this recipe.
Claire @ Claire K Creations
If it worked to lure in the men then it must be good! I’ve seen this dish mentioned a few times recently… must be a sign that I’m meant to give it a go.
Candace
puttanesca…..
You are right…it is fun to say! 🙂
This looks sooo good! I have never eaten this before. I will have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Reeni
I’ve eaten puttanesca many times but never made it myself! I need to change that! Looks wonderful.
FOODESSA
Between your spicy pasta dish and my Tiramisu…the bordellos would certainly be raking in the mula.
Don’t you just love the stories behind great dishes?
Ciao for now,
Claudia
Megan
It is fun to say. hehe Looks like a perfect weekday meal to me.
Kristen
I love puttanesca. Regardless of its lurid past, it is a great pasta dish and other than the one son who would be crossing his fingers to ward off the olives, my family would love this recipe!
Rocky Mountain Woman
This looks simply amazing!
I love anything pasta this time of year…
Yum…
Barbara
Fabulous and fast, Barbara. I love pasta dishes like this. And what’s best, is I have all the ingredients in my pantry right now!
Shelby
I have never made puttanesca either….but have a particular blogging friend (Susie from Hick Chick) who LOVES a recipe she makes and she makes it often. I really, really should check it out! I saw the word spicy…lol. That word pulls me in!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
Haha I remember the first time I heard about the name for this dish. I expected something…well quite striking indeed! Your pasta looks wonderful mum! 😀 xxx
Rosa
That is a dish I’ve always liked! Yummy!
Cheers,
Rosa
Maggie
Barbara – I love pasta puttanesca. There’s one Italian restaurant I enjoy where that is now the only dish I order. As much as I love it, I’ve never actually made it (I might sometimes throw some capers into a tomato sauce, but that’s about it. If you get the Costco capers – you always have extra on hand 🙂 ). Thanks for sharing this – it’s a “must try” for me.
Nisrine, Dinners & Dreams
I love puttanesca, Barbara. The name makes a great converstaion subject while enjoying the fragrant goodness.
Bonnie
I was just wondering what to make for dinner. I think I’ll try this. The photo is glorious.
Barbara | VinoLuciStyle
Love easy, fresh pasta sauces and this is one of them. I don’t have a problem with anchovies but seldom use them in mine just because I don’t always have them on hand. Trade you some chili for some pasta? 🙂
tiffany ~food finery
i adore puttanesca! it’s a total comfort food for me 🙂 makes me want to curl up with a bowl of it, eat and fall asleep!