Spaghetti Puttanesca Recipe
This Spaghetti Puttanesca recipe delivers a bold burst of Mediterranean flavors with briny olives, salty capers, anchovies, and rich San Marzano tomatoes. Featured on Bonacini’s Italy and hosted by Michael Bonacini, this classic Italian pasta recipe is a simple yet deeply flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or effortless entertaining.
The Inspiration
Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is one of Italy’s most iconic pasta dishes, originating in the coastal regions of southern Italy—particularly Naples. Known for its vibrant, punchy ingredients and quick preparation, the dish embodies the Italian philosophy of transforming pantry staples into something extraordinary.
On Bonacini’s Italy, Chef Michael Bonacini celebrates dishes that highlight authentic regional Italian cooking while remaining accessible for home cooks. This recipe stays true to the classic preparation: anchovies melt into fragrant olive oil, garlic builds the aromatic base, and capers and olives add signature briny depth. Crushed San Marzano tomatoes bring balance and richness, coating perfectly cooked spaghetti for a pasta dish that feels both rustic and refined.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of bold ingredients and minimal cooking time, it proves that great Italian cooking doesn’t require complicated techniques—just quality ingredients and a little passion.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 4 anchovies (in oil), chopped
- 2/3 cup (160 ml) Italian black olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup (60 ml) capers (in brine)
- 1 red chili pepper, seeded and sliced finely
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground black pepper, plus more for serving
- 19 ounces (560 ml, ~2/3 of a 28-ounce/796 ml can) canned whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 9 ounces (255 g) spaghetti
- ½ cup (120 ml) chopped Italian parsley, plus more for garnish
- Pecorino Romano, grated, for garnish
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add garlic and anchovies. Mash anchovies with the back of a spoon.
- Add Italian black olives, capers, red chili pepper, and pepper and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the crushed canned tomatoes. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring periodically, for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add spaghetti to a large pot of boiling, salted water and cook 4-6 minutes, until al dente.
- Using tongs, remove pasta from the water and add directly to skillet with the tomatoes and olives, continuing to cook.
- Add chopped parsley and fold the parsley and pasta with the sauce, cooking and stirring, until combined and the sauce is coting the pasta.
- To serve, swirl pasta on large serving dish.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and drizzle with olive oil. Finish with grated Pecorino cheese and ground black pepper, and serve hot.
- Buon appetito!
Serving Suggestions
Spaghetti Puttanesca is a versatile Italian pasta dish that works beautifully for both casual dinners and relaxed gatherings. Serve it hot as a satisfying main course alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness of the sauce. Crusty Italian bread is also a perfect accompaniment, ideal for soaking up every last bit of the robust tomato sauce. For entertaining, pair this pasta with a light antipasto platter featuring marinated vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats to create a complete Italian-inspired meal. A crisp white wine or a medium-bodied red complements the briny and savory notes of the dish, making it an excellent option for a cozy dinner with friends or a comforting weeknight meal.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti Puttanesca recipe is a true celebration of bold Italian flavors and simple cooking techniques. Anchovies, olives, capers, and tomatoes combine to create a sauce that’s both vibrant and comforting, proving that pantry staples can transform into something truly memorable.
Featured on Bonacini’s Italy and prepared by Chef Michael Bonacini, this dish highlights the heart of Italian cuisine—honest ingredients, effortless preparation, and unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this pasta recipe delivers a taste of Italy in every bite.