🍝🇮🇹 Classic Spaghetti alla Puttanesca A Bold, Authentic Italian Pasta Bursting with Mediterranean Flavor ✨

If you’re looking for a quick yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish, Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is a timeless Italian classic. This iconic recipe combines garlic, olives, capers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs into a rich, savory sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.

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🛒 Ingredients

🍝 For the Pasta

* 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti

* Salt, for boiling water

🍅 For the Puttanesca Sauce

* 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

* 4 garlic cloves, finely minced

* 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

* 400 g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes

* 250 g (9 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved

* ½ cup black olives, sliced

* 2 tablespoons capers, drained

* 1 teaspoon dried oregano

* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

* ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

* Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

* Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

2️⃣ Prepare the Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3️⃣ Add the Tomatoes

Stir in the canned tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4️⃣ Add the Mediterranean Flavors

Mix in the olives, capers, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend together.

5️⃣ Combine with the Pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently until fully coated. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water for a silky, glossy sauce.

6️⃣ Finish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with basil leaves. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this classic pasta with:

* 🥖 Warm garlic bread

* 🥗 Fresh green salad

* 🧀 Parmesan cheese

* 🍷 A glass of your favorite red wine (optional)

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👨‍🍳 Pro Tips

✨ Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the richest flavor.

🫒 Kalamata or Italian black olives provide the most authentic taste.

🍅 San Marzano tomatoes create a sweeter, more balanced sauce.

🌿 Finish with fresh parsley just before serving for maximum freshness.

🍝 Never overcook the pasta—al dente is essential for authentic Italian texture.

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📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)

* 🔥 Calories: 460

* 💪 Protein: 12 g

* 🍝 Carbohydrates: 68 g

* 🫒 Fat: 16 g

* 🌾 Fiber: 6 g

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ready in just 30 minutes

✅ Made with simple pantry ingredients

✅ Rich, bold Mediterranean flavors

✅ Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners

✅ Authentic Italian comfort food everyone will enjoy