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Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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