What is puttanesca sauce?

Puttanesca is a tomato based sauce that also contains anchovies, capers and olives, and red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat. Crushed red pepper flakes make things even better.

How long does spaghetti last in the fridge?

Most pastas last in the fridge for 3–5 days . Before storing the cooked pasta or leftovers let the pasta cool slightly. Make sure to use a proper airtight containers for storage.

Can I substitute or omit the anchovies in this recipe?

The best substitute for anchovies varies by dish. Substitutes include fish sauce, shrimp paste, sardines, soy sauce, or miso. The only one I would recommend for this recipe is a bit of Worcestershire sauce (the amount to your liking). If I'm being honest, I will tell you that the taste of anchovies is not strong in this recipe. It creates more of an unami flavor that complements the sauce and pairs well with the taste of capers and olives. I would definitely try this recipe with the anchovy to try something new! I bet you will acquire a new appreciation for the taste.

Where does Spaghetti alla Puttanesca get its' name?

Well, the name isn't pretty, or appropriate for that matter! As stated in the OED, puttanesca literally translates to, “a characteristic of a prostitute,”. I found this explanation, in Italy Magazine, to describe the different possible origins of the popular Italian dish: There is a theory that the dish was invented in one of many bordellos in the Naples working-class neighborhood of Quartieri Spagnoli. The explanations for the origin of puttanesca are many, just as the sources and scholars who have tried to trace the first inventive chef who began to call this spicy dish ‘puttanesca’. Originally, it was called ‘alla marinara’; the current name began to appear after World War II. Some say that the name originated in the brothels of the Spanish Quarters (whore is puttana in Italian, hence puttanesca). Some argue that, the modern name of this preparation refers to pasta ‘prepared as it comes’, that is, easy to cook, without frills or complicated preparation. Source: Italy Magazine

Can I use a different pasta in this recipe?

Long Pasta Shapes Like Spaghetti, Bucatini, Capellini and Spaghettini . These long strands are best paired with this rich tomato based sauce. Read more about what pasta shapes go best with which sauce here . The thick sauce will coat the strands evenly and won't get weighed down when wound up with a fork. Can you use short pasta for this recipe? Yes, absolutely. Use what you have on hand. I love this sauce with long pasta, but feel free to change it to your preference.

Authentic Italian Spaghetti alla Puttanesca Recipe

Name: Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 5 anchovy fillets, finely chopped OR 1 tablespoon anchovy paste (you can leave it out); 1/2 cup, pitted black olives; 2 tablespoons capers, drained; 1 lb dried spaghetti or long pasta of choice; ½ small bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish; Salt to taste

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
5 anchovy fillets, finely chopped OR 1 tablespoon anchovy paste (you can leave it out)
1/2 cup, pitted black olives
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1 lb dried spaghetti or long pasta of choice
½ small bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
Salt to taste

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Instructions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over a medium heat. Add the onion and shallot, lightly fry for 8-10 mins, or until soft. Add the garlic and chilli, if using, and cook for another minute.
Stir in the tomatoes, anchovies, olives and capers into the onion, bring to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10 mins. Season to taste.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to the boil. Salt generously with salt. Cook the spaghetti following packet instructions until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta water to the sauce and stir to combine.
Toss pasta with the sauce. Add parsley for garnish and serve hot. Mangia! (Eat!)

Author: Elena Davis
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Savory
Method: Italian
Cuisine: Italian