Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca Recipe

Introduction

Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca is a vibrant and tangy Italian pasta dish bursting with bold flavors from tomatoes, olives, capers, and a touch of chili flakes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want something simple yet delicious.

Ingredients

• 200g spaghetti
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 100g pitted olives, sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the canned tomatoes, olives, and capers to the pan. Simmer the sauce for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the puttanesca sauce until well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a different dietary preference.
• Add chopped anchovies or a dash of fish sauce to the sauce for a traditional salty umami twist.
• Include chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti puttanesca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. Chop about 4 medium tomatoes and cook them down until soft before adding the olives and capers.

Is this dish spicy?

The chili flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely based on your spice preference.

Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca Recipe

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4.9 from 132 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca featuring a robust sauce of tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and chili flakes, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a quick and satisfying Italian-inspired meal.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Flavorings

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 2 cups diced ripe tomatoes (fresh or canned)

Pasta

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Salt (for pasta water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve a cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Simmer the sauce: Add the chili flakes, sliced olives, capers, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Toss together and serve: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or grated vegan cheese.

Notes

• Use good quality olives and capers for the best flavor.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili flakes to half a teaspoon.
• This dish can be easily made vegan by omitting cheese or using a vegan alternative.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before tossing with pasta.

Keywords: Spaghetti, Puttanesca, Vegetarian, Italian, Pasta, Quick Dinner, Olive, Capers, Tomato Sauce