Caroline's Cooking

  • Recipe Index
  • By country or region
  • By season or holiday
  • Subscribe
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • By country or region
  • By season or holiday
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • By country or region
    • By season or holiday
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Main dishes

    Pasta puttanesca

    February 28, 2018 by Caroline's Cooking

    • Share
    • Reddit
    • Flipboard
    • Threads
    Pasta puttanesca - a quick and easy pasta dish with tomato, anchovy , capers, olives and tuna

    Pasta puttanesca might not be as well known as some other Italian dishes, but it really should be. A little saltiness from anchovies and capers, a little heat from red pepper, fresh tomatoes and meaty tuna. 

    Jump to Recipe
    Bowl of pasta puttanesca

    This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page.

    Like many families with young children, we have pasta pretty regularly, but we can be creatures of habit. The little ones love pesto, as do we, so we often fall into a rut.

    But for the increasing times when I want to get out of it, I tend to look for both flavor and ease (we're still talking a meal for a busy night, after all). This pasta dish is a great choice as it's just that little bit different, packed with great flavor, but easy too.

    Pasta puttanesca with tomatoes, tuna, anchovies capers and olives

    I first came across pasta puttanesca a number of years ago, thanks to a Jamie Oliver program I think. I loved the combination of flavors, and have made it a few times since.

    As with many Italian dishes, you don't use that many ingredients, so it's worth making sure those you do use are good, which is why Blue Harbor's tuna is the perfect choice. 

    I love that it's wild, line caught premium albacore tuna and you can taste the difference. Being packaged simply with water with no or only a touch of salt, you get all the great clean flavor. I am also a big fan of the fact Blue Harbor is MSC certified, meaning they comply with sustainable practices and ensure each fish is traceable back to the boat. I like knowing where my food comes from, and that can be hard to come by in some things.

    Bowl of pasta puttanesca

    Where does the name pasta puttanesca come from?

    It's maybe a little ironic, though, that I'm using such a pure ingredient for a pasta dish that translate's as 'pasta in the style of prostitutes'. I'm not entirely sure why - some stories claim Neapolitan working girls used the arousing smells of this dish cooking to attract clients.

    It does smell pretty amazing, though I have my doubts on the story. However it is worth putting aside any worries about the name and simply enjoying this delicious, easy dish.

    It's apparently a relatively recent invention, with a couple variations mainly on whether you use anchovies. Personally I really like them so have included them here. And not all versions use tuna, either, but for me it's a must to really round out this dish beyond a seasoned tomato sauce. A tasty meal that's also a great option during Lent.

    Pasta puttanesca ingredients

    Simple steps to make this dish

    This is a super easy dish to make, as you simply:

    • Sauté some garlic and anchovies in some olive oil.
    • Add the tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
    • Cook it down a little.
    • Add the tuna, capers, olives.
    • Cook a little more before mixing through pasta.

    Traditionally this dish is made with spaghetti, but use whatever you prefer.

    Pasta puttanesca has a little saltiness, a little heat, and a whole lot of delicious flavor. It's a great way to make simple, good quality ingredients into something special. A meal perfect for both a busy night or a special occasion. Try it and you'll soon agree.

    Pasta puttanesca

    Like pasta? Try these other pasta meals:

    • Lemon mascarpone pasta
    • Scallop pasta with garlic and white wine
    • Pasta with clams and sausage
    • Pasta con sarde a mare (Sicilian pasta with fennel and pine nuts)
    • Lemon chicken pasta bake
    • Plus get more inspiration on the main course recipes archives.
    Bowl of pasta puttanesca
    Print Recipe
    5 from 7 votes

    Pasta puttanesca

    Pasta puttanesca is an easy, quick pasta meal that's packed with flavor.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time20 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 550kcal
    Author: Caroline's Cooking
    SaveSaved!

    Ingredients

    • 6 oz pasta 170g (traditionally spaghetti but use as you prefer)
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 4 anchovy fillets
    • 14 oz chopped tomatoes (1 can, or 1 ¾ cups/375g chopped fresh tomatoes)
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ½ tablespoon capers drained
    • ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives
    • 3 oz Blue Harbor albacore tuna (1 pouch - I suggest no salt added but as you prefer)

    Instructions

    • Set your pasta to cook according to the packet instructions. Once cooked al dente drain and set aside.
    • Meanwhile, warm the oil in a medium skillet/frying pan over a medium heat. Crush the garlic and slice the anchovies. Add both to the pan and cook a couple minutes, stirring, until the anchovies start to melt.
    • Add the tomatoes and red pepper flakes, increase the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally and cook around 10 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly thickened. 
    • Next, add the capers, olives and tuna and mix in well. Add the cooked pasta and toss with tongs so they become well covered in the sauce. Serve.

    Video

    Notes

    (see video above)
    Note - this isn’t a pasta that needs cheese, as there’s enough flavor and saltiness from the other ingredients.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 729mg | Potassium: 669mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 375IU | Vitamin C: 19.4mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

    See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

    This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Blue Harbor.

    Remember to pin for later!

    Pasta puttanesca might not be as well known as some other Italian dishes, but it really should be. A little saltiness from anchovies and capers, a little heat from red pepper, fresh tomatoes and meaty tuna. And incredibly easy to make. This meal will be on your table in less than 30 minutes with simple, real ingredients you don’t need to go searching for. #pasta #italianfood #tuna AD

    « Blini with smoked salmon (or gravlax)
    Pork bulgogi »
    • Share
    • Reddit
    • Flipboard
    • Threads

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says

      March 19, 2018 at 1:45 pm

      This looks like a great, quick weeknight meal!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 20, 2018 at 8:30 pm

        Thanks Val, it is indeed!

        Reply
    2. Christie says

      March 19, 2018 at 12:53 pm

      5 stars
      I love puttanesca! It's one of my favorite pantry meals. And cooks up so quick!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 20, 2018 at 8:25 pm

        It's great, I agree!

        Reply
    3. Liz @ Books n' Cooks says

      March 18, 2018 at 2:01 pm

      You can never have too many easy pasta recipes - they're a favorite for weeknight dinners, and this one would fit right in.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 20, 2018 at 8:19 pm

        I couldn't agree more!

        Reply
    4. Karen @Karen's Kitchen stories says

      March 17, 2018 at 11:34 pm

      Caroline, this looks delicious. I love the back story too! Gorgeous.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 20, 2018 at 8:18 pm

        Thanks Karen, it's so easy but packed with flavor.

        Reply
    5. Jolene says

      March 17, 2018 at 12:41 pm

      This brings me right back to childhood, looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 17, 2018 at 6:36 pm

        Thanks, it's such a tasty dish.

        Reply
    6. Michele @ Bacon Fatte says

      March 03, 2018 at 3:58 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds wonderful! Simple, light, fresh, delicious... All my dinner goals met in this recipe! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 05, 2018 at 9:45 pm

        Thanks Michele, it's a great combination!

        Reply
    7. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      March 01, 2018 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      I love a puttanesca and yours looks delicious! I find I become a creature of habit when it comes to making family dinners too! Nice to mix it up once in a while

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 02, 2018 at 1:46 pm

        Thanks Bintu, I agree, making a few different dishes is definitely nice to do, and doesn't have to be difficult either, as with this dish.

        Reply
    8. Danielle says

      March 01, 2018 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favourite pasta dishes. It's light and fresh and reminds me of eating outside in summer.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 02, 2018 at 1:44 pm

        Thanks Danielle, I can absolutely imagine eating this outside in nice weather too!

        Reply
    9. Allison Mattina says

      March 01, 2018 at 3:20 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite meals. I haven't made it in so long and your recipe brought back some memories!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 02, 2018 at 1:44 pm

        Thanks, I'm so glad it brought back some tasty memories!

        Reply
    10. Leslie says

      March 01, 2018 at 3:02 pm

      5 stars
      Pouches of tuna are the perfect base for so many recipes. I keep it on hand for quick meals.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 02, 2018 at 1:44 pm

        Thanks, I agree they're very handy to have for lots of dishes.

        Reply
    11. Monica | Nourish & Fete says

      March 01, 2018 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      Yes! We have pasta frequently, too - it's my favorite, and just easier than so many alternatives with little kids. Love this for a new idea to change it up!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 02, 2018 at 1:43 pm

        Thanks, and I agree it's a great easy meal.

        Reply
    12. Lynn Elliott Vining says

      March 01, 2018 at 2:01 pm

      Yum! I love the olives and capers! Great dish!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 01, 2018 at 2:23 pm

        Thanks Lynn, I agree they're delicious flavors and work so well with everything else here.

        Reply
    13. Diane says

      March 01, 2018 at 12:44 pm

      Pastas just make me instantly happy! this recipe looks & sounds fantastic! cant' wait to make it myself

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 01, 2018 at 2:22 pm

        Thanks Diane, I know exactly what you mean! This is a delicious way to dress it up - enjoy!

        Reply
    14. The Food Hunter says

      March 01, 2018 at 10:05 am

      I need to try this tuna

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 01, 2018 at 2:20 pm

        Enjoy - it's both tasty and handy little pouches.

        Reply
    15. Claudia Lamascolo says

      February 28, 2018 at 8:50 pm

      a favorite here ! looks great!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        March 01, 2018 at 2:20 pm

        Thanks Claudia, I can understand why it's a favorite!

        Reply
    Caroline's Cooking

    Welcome! I'm Caroline and this is where I share recipes inspired by travels, places I want to go, or just ideas from feeding the family. Most recipes are easy to make and healthier, but there are treats too!

    Read more →

    Try these popular recipes

    • baked portobello mushrooms on plate
      Baked portobello mushrooms

    • side view of torn loaf of Japanese milk bread
      Japanese milk bread

    • Tarta de Santiago from overhead
      Tarta de Santiago (Spanish almond cake)

    • Sautéed French green beans on plate
      Sautéed French green beans

    • stacked plates with English tea sandwiches close up
      Traditional English tea sandwiches

    • Swedish cardamon buns with one on plate in front
      Swedish cardamom buns

    Recent posts

    • bowl of elote style corn black bean salad with part view of cilantro and lime in front.
      Elote-style corn and black bean salad

    • bowl of mussels in cream from overhead.
      Mussels in cream (moules à la crème)

    • close view of bowl of rhubarb ice cream.
      Rhubarb ice cream

    • close overhead view of smoked salmon pizza.
      Smoked salmon pizza

    Footer

    • Privacy Policy
    • Language and measurements
    • About Caroline's Cooking
    • Web stories

    Caroline's Cooking is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Copyright © Caroline's Cooking 2014 - 2025

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required