Simple Spaghetti and Puttanesca Sauce

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 20 min

 

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes
  • 1 box spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup capers
  • 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • A pinch of oregano
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Parmesan cheese, to taste
  • Optional: anchovies and/or canned tuna (I love using both)

Directions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, just until golden. (Add chopped anchovies here if using.)
  3. Pour canned tomatoes into a bowl and crush them with your hands for a rustic texture.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, olives, capers, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan.
  5. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Add about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water.
  6. Stir in the cooked spaghetti until evenly coated with sauce.
  7. Serve topped with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

 

Erin’s Tip: I love making this when I need something bold and comforting with pantry staples, and those olives and capers make every bite pop! Feel free to toss in tuna and/or anchovies for extra flavor..

 

Scroll to Top