Looking for a flavorful dish that’s both quick to make and packed with bold flavors? Pasta Puttanesca is the answer! This classic Italian pasta dish is known for its satisfying combination of briny olives, capers, and tangy tomatoes, all brought together with garlic and herbs. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe for Pasta Puttanesca.
**Pasta Puttanesca**
**Ingredients:**
– 12 oz dried spaghetti
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
– 2 tbsp capers, drained
– 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
– 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the capers and olives, cooking for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and tomato paste to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce, coating the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of the pasta.
8. Serve the Pasta Puttanesca hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
This Pasta Puttanesca recipe is a delightful blend of savory, salty, and slightly spicy flavors that come together beautifully in every bite. The olives and capers lend a unique briny essence to the dish, while the tomatoes provide a rich and satisfying base. The addition of garlic and red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick, making it a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal.
Feel free to customize this recipe to your taste preferences. You can add anchovies for an extra umami punch or throw in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Pasta Puttanesca is a versatile dish that welcomes experimentation, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Next time you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal but want to skip the dine-out experience, whip up a batch of Pasta Puttanesca in the comfort of your own home. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its robust flavors and comforting appeal. Enjoy this tantalizing taste of Italy right at your own dinner table.
