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Easy 20-Minute Pasta Puttanesca Recipe

Easy 20-Minute Pasta Puttanesca

Imane Elhariri
This Pasta Puttanesca is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution when you need something fast, flavorful, and satisfying. Using pantry staples like olives, capers, and tomatoes, this dish delivers a bold, briny, and restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes. It is a perfect, meat-free meal that relies on fresh aromatics and the magic of starchy pasta water to create a glossy, perfectly coated sauce. Simple, budget-friendly, and delicious, it is sure to become a household favorite.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Recipe Lab
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, drained
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped (1/3 cup)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, roughly chopped
  • 12 ounces spaghetti pasta
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Place the drained tomatoes in a large bowl and use clean hands to crush them into a chunky consistency; set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the shallot and salt to the skillet, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until soft.
  • Add the chopped garlic, red pepper flakes, capers, and olives to the pan and sizzle for 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
  • Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
  • Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet with the sauce.
  • Toss over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the noodles are glossy and well-coated.
  • Remove from heat, stir in the fresh parsley, and serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of parsley.

Notes

Always reserve a cup of starchy pasta water, as it is the secret to emulsifying the sauce and ensuring it clings to the spaghetti. Use high-quality kalamata olives for the best briny depth. Adjust red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder or spicier sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 11gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 780mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6g
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