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    Home » Recipes » Sauces, Marinades, Condiments and More

    Fresh Tomato Puttanesca Pasta Sauce

    *Updated* Aug 28, 2024 Published: April 13, 2021 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 136 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
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    Fresh Puttanesca Sauce is a classic Italian pasta dish. An easy-to-make homemade tomato sauce flavoured with olives, capers, anchovies, and lots of fresh tomatoes.

    Late summer or early fall is a great time for garden fresh tomatoes. Making homemade sauces with fresh ingredients is so easy and delicious. There is no comparison in taste to jarred sauces. You will want to give this blistered tomato sauce a try too.

    Fresh Tomato Puttanesca sauce on pasta in a black bowl.

    If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, pasta is perfect. A nice change from spaghetti and meatballs. Why not start your meal with some delicious tomato bruschetta too. You might also enjoy these Roasted Eggplant Slices if you are looking for a low-carb appetizer.

    If your house is anything like ours, pasta is a staple. I could almost make it every night for dinner and I would hear no complaints. This is the reason my freezer roasted tomatoes are a must during harvest season.

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    We all need delicious, easy recipes in our collection. I know I don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen preparing daily meals. This recipe for baked gnocchi is a game changer for sure. One bowl, one pan and easy cleanup too.

    Have you made homemade pesto? If not, give this easy kale pesto recipe a try. Makes a great topping of pasta and more.

    RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this classic puttanesca can be found at the bottom of this post.

    Whether it’s tuna and pasta, homemade gnocchi, or baba’s egg noodle casserole, as long as it contains some form of pasta it’s a happy time around the dinner table.

    Of course, you can never beat a homemade pasta sauce either. We try to eat a few meat-free meals during the week. Meatless sauces are super easy to make, totally delicious, and easy on the budget too.

    Have you ever tried making healthier pasta sauces using lentils? You won’t even miss the meat!

    Black beluga lentils are used to make a hearty rich sauce containing mushrooms and red wine.

    Puy lentils combined with onions, peppers and goat cheese create the perfect sauce for spaghetti squash.

    What Is Puttanesca Sauce Made Of?

    This classic Italian recipe is made with simple ingredients:

    Fresh tomato sauce ingredients.
    • fresh tomatoes
    • black olives
    • capes
    • anchovy paste
    • red pepper flakes
    • garlic
    • olive oil

    A traditional fresh pasta sauce that resembles a tomato, olive caper compote. If you have never tried pasta with olives, you are in for a treat.

    Why Is It Called Puttanesca?

    Spaghetti in a bowl, with a glass of wine and garlic bread on the side.

    This sauce does seem to have a history behind it according to the food historian Jeremy Parzen.

    History states that at the beginning of the 20th century, this dish was created for a brothel near Rome. It is often referred to as lady of the night sauce.

    Lots of tales are told of this famous sauce:

    • Prostitutes made it since it is quick and did not interrupt time away from their business.
    • They made it for their awaiting clients.
    • Also, tales tell that married women made since it involves less time in the kitchen and more time to visit their secret lovers or paramours.

    Making Fresh Pasta Sauce

    In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy this easy to make puttanesca recipe.

    Prepare your ingredients:

    • Chop tomatoes and set them aside.
    • Chop the garlic cloves.
    • Pit and dice the olives, and set them aside.
    • Drain the capers and place them in a bowl.

    Cook the sauce (see the recipe card for full instructions):

    • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the olive oil.
    • Cook the garlic, red pepper flakes, and anchovy paste.
    • Add the tomatoes, capers, and olives.
    • Cook, toss with your favourite pasta and enjoy!
    Spaghetti tossed in black olive and tomato sauce.

    Tips and Variations

    • I used fresh tomatoes in this recipe. If you prefer, you can use canned tomatoes. Something like San Marzano would work great.
    • I love Kalamata olives and that is what I used. Greta or Nicoise would be great choices. Feel free to experiment with green olives if you like. The tastes will change, but it will still be delicious.
    • If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
    • If you use salt-packed capers, you might want to give them a rinse before using them to reduce the sodium.
    • Anchovy paste was used in this recipe. If you prefer to use anchovy fillets that is fine. 1 fillet is equal to about ½ teaspoon of paste.
    • Great substitutes for anchovy paste are Worcestershire sauce, Asian fish sauce, and shrimp paste.
    • Can you freeze this sauce? YES! Just like any other pasta sauce, it freezes well and lasts for several months.
    • Does it taste fishy? No, the anchovies give it a savoury flavour, not fishy at all.
    • What is the best pasta to serve with this sauce? Traditionally this is served with spaghetti, but as far as I am concerned there is NO wrong type of pasta.
    • If you want to add protein to the meal, grilled chicken, shrimp, scallops or thinly sliced flank steak would be great additions.
    • Cheese is always a welcome garnish. Freshly grated parmesan, romano, or asiago would be fantastic.

    Still craving some recipes with olives, here are a few to try:

    • Easy Penne Pasta
    • Black Olive and Tomato Bread
    • French Pizza with Olive Tapenade
    • Olive Meatballs
    Puttanesca Sauce PinPin
    Puttanesca pasta in a black bowl.

    Tomato Puttanesca Pasta Sauce

    An easy fresh pasta sauce packed with fresh tomatoes, olives, anchovies and capers.
    4.99 from 79 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Rate Save To Your Recipe Box Saved!
    Course: Gluten Free
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 cups
    Calories: 150kcal
    Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

    Ingredients

    • 30 ounces Fresh tomatoes (chopped)
    • ⅔ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and chopped)
    • ⅓ cup capers
    • 1 tablespoons Anchovy paste
    • 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
    • ½ teaspoons Red pepper flakes
    • 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for cooking)
    • Black pepper (to season)
    US Customary – Metric

    Instructions

    • Dice the tomatoes and set aside.
    • Chop garlic and place to the side.
    • Pit and chop olives, place in a bowl.
    • Drain capers and set aside.
    • Heat olive oil in a heavy bottomed pan.
    • Sauté garlic, red pepper flakes and anchovy paste for about 3 minutes.
    • Add tomatoes, capers and olives.
    • Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes
    • Season with black pepper
    • Top your favourite pasta, toss and ENJOY.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 916mg | Potassium: 558mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1956IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
    Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

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    MEET THE AUTHOR

    Gloria Duggan is the author for Homemade & Yummy, where she creates fun and easy recipes. She is also a brand ambassador/influencer for well-known companies. Gloria has judged food competitions and has posted about local food events. Gloria's work has been featured in magazines, and she has been interviewed on several podcasts. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ksenia

      April 27, 2021 at 9:17 pm

      Good puttanesca is my favourite pasta sauce! I can’t wait for my son to be old enough to actually taste and enjoy it, and your recipe is such a classic. Thanks for reminding me of how much I love this dish!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        April 29, 2021 at 9:37 am

        Well I am sure one day he too will enjoy the flavours of PUttanesca.

    2. Cathleen

      April 25, 2021 at 10:13 pm

      My family eats pasta at least once a week, so I am in dire need of new pasta sauce ideas. This one sounds so perfect for us, thank you so much for the recipe!! Bookmarked for my next pasta night 🙂

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        April 26, 2021 at 9:18 am

        Enjoy…this is super easy to make and is packed with flavour.

    3. amycaseycooks

      April 25, 2021 at 3:01 pm

      I am such a fan of homemade tomato sauces and can’t wait to try this one. I haven’t cooked with anchovy paste so this will be a fun recipe to make.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        April 26, 2021 at 9:19 am

        If you prefer, feel free to replace the paste with anchovies.

    4. Amanda

      April 25, 2021 at 2:24 pm

      This sauce is fabulous! Using fresh tomatoes makes such a difference, and I love the flavor the capers add.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        April 26, 2021 at 9:19 am

        Puttanesca is one of those wonderful recipes that everyone needs in their collection.

    5. silvia

      April 24, 2021 at 10:18 pm

      We love pasta alla puttanesca! This sauce is so good, I didn’t have kalamata olives, but I had these gorgeous Italian green olives. It was awesome. I’ll make it again when I buy some kalamata olives, however 🙂

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        April 25, 2021 at 9:16 am

        Honestly working with what you have on hand is a great idea. This will work with any type of olive.

    6. Aleta

      April 24, 2021 at 9:19 pm

      Wow, I can’t believe I had never tried puttanesca sauce before.. this was super easy and sooo delicious! Great recipe Gloria 🙂

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        April 25, 2021 at 9:17 am

        You are welcome, so glad you enjoyed the recipe.

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