This quick and easy high-protein pasta puttanesca dish evokes the warmth and passion of Sicily without the airfare and crowds. Pair it with a fresh salad and crusty bread for an incredible, memorable meal.
Our spaghetti alla puttanesca is budget-friendly, easily adaptable, and bursting with the wonderful flavors of Italy.
What is Pasta Puttanesca?
A classic Italian pasta dish traditionally made with anchovy fillets for umami flavor and other traditional puttanesca ingredients like capers, olives, fresh garlic, and tomatoes. The origin of this dish is controversial. We recreate that delicious umami taste by caramelizing tomato paste and adding a generous handful of sun-dried tomatoes in garlic oil to form the base of our sauce. It is usually served with vermicelli or spaghetti but you can use a variety of pasta shapes such as penne or farfalle if that is your preference.
Ingredients for Pasta Puttanesca
- Spaghetti Noodles. We like to use chickpea pasta noodles with are high in protein and nutritional value.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Tomato Paste.
- Garlic Cloves.
- Cocktail Tomatoes.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil.
- Capers.
- Kalamata Olives.
- Cured Black Olives.
- Fresh Basil Leaves. Fresh herbs make a huge difference in a dish like this.
- Red Pepper Flakes. For heat, if desired. You can also use crushed red peppers or ancho chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Salt to taste. This is optional because the olives and capers add significant salt to the recipe.
How to Make Pasta Puttanesca
First, boil your pasta, cook to al dente following the package instructions, drain, toss in olive oil, and set it aside. Next, heat some olive oil in a large skillet. Add the tomato paste and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until its red color darkens slightly. This will form the base of flavor for the puttanesca sauce.
Add the garlic to your pan, mix it with the tomato paste, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add ¼ cup water and stir well. Then add the cocktail tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes, capers, olives, basil, red pepper flakes, and salt. Simmer for about two minutes, until heated through. Add the cooked pasta, toss well, and cook for another minute. Serve immediately because this dish is best hot and fresh.
What to Serve with Pasta Puttanesca
Our High-protein pasta puttanesca is delicious when served with a Kale Caesar Salad with Smokey Mushrooms or Roasted Vegetable Greek Salad (with or without the quinoa), and a fresh loaf of garlic bread to sop up that wonderful sauce. For dessert, whip up our super easy Vegan Tiramisu. Why not light a few candles and open a bottle of Chianti to complete your Sicilian adventure?
Tips for Amazing Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca
Use a large pot of water to boil pasta. This ensures that all of the pasta is surrounded by water and cooks evenly without sticking.
Garnish your pasta with parmesan cheese or romano cheese for extra flavor.
Adding a spoonful of reserved pasta water to your sauce is a traditional way to add starch and thickening if needed.
Do not use a metal spoon when stirring a tomato-based dish, because the metal will react with the acid and impart a taste to your sauce. Instead use classic wooden spoons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers of Pasta Puttanesca?
While the leftovers are not nearly as good they can be saved, and dressed up with alfredo sauce to improve the reheated results. Keep whatever is left in the fridge in an airtight container.
What is the difference between puttanesca sauce vs arrabbiata sauce?
What kind of pasta do you use with puttanesca sauce?
More Great Pasta Recipes to Try
High Protein Creamed Spinach Pasta Bake
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PrintHigh Protein Pasta Puttanesca
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This quick and easy high-protein pasta puttanesca dish evokes the warmth and passion of Sicily without the airfare and crowds and makes an incredible meal when paired with a fresh green salad.
Ingredients
1- 8 oz box Explore Cuisine Organic Chickpea Spaghetti
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp tomato paste
4 cloves of garlic, sliced
12 cocktail tomatoes, quartered
2 tbsp, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
2 tbsp capers
12 kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half - Or any other olive of your choice
10 Cured black olives, pitted and sliced in half - Or any other olive of your choice
A small bunch of fresh basil leaves torn in pieces
1 tsp red pepper flakes ( or to taste)
½ tsp salt ( optional - olives and capers provide a good amount of saltiness)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta following the package instructions. Drain and rinse
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the tomato paste and cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, until its red color darkens slightly.
- Add the garlic, mix it in with the tomato paste and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add ¼ cup water and stir well
- Add the cocktail and sun dried tomatoes, capers, olives, basil, red pepper flakes and salt (if using) and continue cooking for about two minutes, until heated through. Add the cooked pasta, toss well and cook for another minute. Serve immediately (see notes below)
Notes
- This dish is best when served freshly made
- The sauce can be made ahead, you may need to add a little more water is made in advance
- We recommend cooking the spaghetti right before serving
- Nutritional information will vary depending on the type of pasta used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 598
- Sugar: 5.7
- Sodium: 1553
- Fat: 19.7
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 87.6
- Fiber: 15.3
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 0
Raquel says
I made this for dinner and it was a huge success! Not only was it super easy to make, but it's so flavorful and delicious! A perfect quick night dinner with tons of flavor
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you so much, we are so glad you enjoyed it.
Evelyne says
I loved how all the ingredients combined beautifully in this pasta puttanesca. Making it with high protein pasta is brilliant!
Cindy says
Easy and delicious!! Who could ask for more. A great quick go to dinner.
Vicky and Ruth says
Thank you Cindy!
Suzanne says
Cooked this for new year's eve dinner for two this evening. It was delicious! Thanks so much for all the wonderful recipes. Happy new year to you and your families, Vicky and Ruth.
Vicky and Ruth says
Thank you so much!