Linguine alla Puttanesca

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces linguine pasta
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup pitted and chopped black olives
• 2 tablespoons drained and chopped capers
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps to Cook:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and anchovy fillets (if using) and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the anchovies have dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.

3. Add the red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Then, add the diced tomatoes, olives, and capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

4. Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

6. Serve the linguine alla puttanesca hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

Cook’s Note:

• The anchovy fillets are optional, but they add a savory, umami flavor to the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the anchovies.
• For a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of olives and capers to your personal taste preferences.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
• Serve the linguine alla puttanesca with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Linguine alla Puttanesca is a classic Italian pasta dish that is both flavorful and easy to prepare. The key ingredients in this recipe are the salty, briny olives and capers, the tangy tomatoes, and the aromatic garlic and parsley. The optional anchovy fillets provide a savory, umami depth to the sauce, while the red pepper flakes add a subtle heat.

One of the great things about this dish is its versatility. It can be made with or without the anchovy fillets, depending on your dietary preferences. The amount of red pepper flakes can also be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance. Additionally, you can experiment with the ratio of olives and capers to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste buds.

To make this dish, you’ll start by cooking the linguine pasta until it’s al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. While the pasta is cooking, you’ll prepare the sauce in a large skillet. The process is simple – sauté the garlic and anchovies (if using), then add the tomatoes, olives, and capers. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Once the pasta is cooked, you’ll add it to the sauce and toss it all together, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Finally, you’ll stir in the fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.

One of the great things about this dish is that it’s not only delicious but also relatively healthy. The main ingredients – tomatoes, olives, and capers – are all packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Tomatoes, for example, are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease.

Olives, on the other hand, are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, as well as vitamin E and other antioxidants. Capers, meanwhile, are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, iron, and copper.

When it comes to the pasta, linguine is a great choice as it’s a relatively thin, long noodle that can easily absorb the flavors of the sauce. Additionally, pasta is a complex carbohydrate that can provide a steady source of energy and help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Overall, linguine alla puttanesca is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its bold flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.