Skip to Content

Whatever the theory about the origins of Pasta Puttanesca, and how the aroma conjured from the brothels of Naples lured in Giovannis, we at Appetito lust in the here and now for this dish because it's pantry-accessible with simple ingredients and vibrant flavors.

Pasta Puttanesca

Pasta Puttanesca

Recipe by andrewappetito
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb of a long pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine

  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 4 anchovy filets

  • 4 cloves of garlic (chopped)

  • 3/4 cup pitted, cured olives (rough chopped)

  • 2 tbsp capers

  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)

  • 1 28-oz can of imported, whole tomatoes (crushed by hand)

  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

  • salt to taste

Directions

  • Put a large pot of water on to boil.
  • Bring 3 tbsp of olive oil to a shimmer in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the garlic and anchovy, adjusting heat or even temporarily removing from heat to keep the garlic from burning. Saute until the garlic is lightly browned and the anchovies break apart.
  • Raise heat, add the tomatoes, season with salt, bring to a quick boil and then let simmer for ten minutes (stirring on occasion).
  • Add the olives, capers, red pepper flakes, and half the basil. Keep simmering until the sauce thickens (10–15 minutes).
  • Salt the boiling water and add the pasta. Cook till a minute short of al dente. Drain and quickly add to the saute pan with the sauce (or combine in a large serving bowl). Allow the noodles to finish cooking in the sauce.
  • Remove to a serving bowl. Swirl in the remaining olive oil. Top with the remaining basil.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Vette from Tenuta San Leonardo: A Mountain-Fresh Sip of Spring

From the foothills of the Dolomites, Vette offers a crisp and refreshing expression of northern Italian Sauvignon Blanc.

March 27, 2026

Alya Health Brings Olive Oil Shots to Daily Wellness

Alya Health turns a Mediterranean olive oil tradition into a simple daily wellness ritual.

March 26, 2026

Harlem Loves Italian Food at Refettorio Harlem

Harlem Loves Italian Food brought chefs and the Harlem community together at Refettorio Harlem for a one night event supporting a great cause.

March 26, 2026

Chef’s Day Off: Michele Di Bari on Maui Time

Chef Michele Di Bari’s day off in Maui centers on family, food and routine.

March 25, 2026

Gennaro Esposito’s Easter Colomba at Grand Hotel et de Milan

Grand Hotel et de Milan presents a special Easter colomba by chef Gennaro Esposito.

March 25, 2026

Saint Bibiana’s Tiramisu Cooking Class in Savannah

This hands-on tiramisu experience highlights technique and personal touch.

March 24, 2026
See all posts