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.
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.
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.
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 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?
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!
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:
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Tomato Puttanesca Pasta Sauce
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)
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.
Nicky
I agree that market produce is the best. This pasta dish looks delicious. You are a lucky lady to have a husband that cooks great food like this.
Chef G
Well he doesn’t do it often, but when he does I LOVE it!!
Maryann
This recipe sounds amazing! And I like how simple it is. Anchovy is a great addition to so many pastas. It’s not usually fishy, but rather a nutty, saltiness. Yum!
Chef G
I don’t even like anchovies…but don’t mind the paste in this sauce.
Amanda Love
I have never made my own like this before and now I want to try your recipe because it just looks soooo good!
Chef G
It is so good…give it a try…it is easy!!
Bri
I could really use a pasta night. The tomato puttanesca sauce looks super flavorful.
Chef G
Pasta is awesome.
Donna Ward
Now this would be wonderful to try – I am so tired of spaghetti sauce – and this looks fabulous – can’t wait to give it a good try!
Chef G
So good…and so easy. Enjoy!!
Anita Breeze
There is simply nothing like a sauce made with fresh tomatoes! This one looks perfect, I want to eat it now!
Chef G
I agree…fresh tomatoes are BEST. Thanks…hope you give it a try.
Jesse
Fresh tomato puttanesca is one of my fiance’s favorites too! (well, any pasta really, she’s italian)
Chef G
WE love pasta too!!
Karissa @WithOurBest
Looks like a filing meal! I love kalamata (black/purple) olives!
Chef G
Love these olives….the only ones I eat!!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
Oh that sounds phenomenal. I cannot wait to try your recipe!
Chef G
Enjoy….we LOVE it!!
maria Long
I dont often make a puttanesca sauce at home but will definitley order it at a restaurant. This looks delicious.
Chef G
It is so easy….and so good!!
michele
We have the same rule in our house…. he who cooks does not have to do the dishes. Now if I can get my husband to make this dish I’ll be a happy camper! Yum….
Chef G
HAHAH….for sure!!
Ashley @Irishred02
This looks super tasty! I’m pinning it for later!
Chef G
Thanks. It’s easy and tasty.
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet
These are my favorite kinds of dinners – fast and easy! Can’t wait until tomatoes are in season here – so jealous!
Chef G
It is better with market season tomatoes for sure!!
Heather lawrence
Oh yummy! You had me at pasta..I am such a carb nut yet I haven’t had this sauce yet.
I have to run to the grocery store for coffee anyways so I think we are going to have it for dinner tonight.
Thanks 🙂
Chef G
It’s awesome….I am a carb lover too!!
Rebecca Bryant
I do live me some good pasta. This sauce sounds so delicious. Must try it.
Chef G
It’a winner in our house!!