Puttanesca Ditalini Pasta

A vibrant, bold pasta dish featuring ditalini tossed in a garlicky tomato sauce with olives, capers, and anchovies for a classic southern Italian flavor.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for a fast comforting meal that impresses every time.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) ditalini pasta
• Sauce: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 4 anchovy fillets finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 (400 g / 14 oz) can diced tomatoes, 80 g (1/2 cup) pitted black olives roughly chopped, 2 tbsp capers rinsed and drained, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, freshly ground black pepper to taste, salt to taste
• Finishing: 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped, zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

Prep ingredients easily by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dishes neatly during everyday cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al denté. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain.

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the anchovies and cook stirring until they melt into the oil (about 1 minute).

Step 3:

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4:

Stir in the diced tomatoes olives capers and oregano. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

Step 5:

Season the sauce with black pepper and salt if needed anchovies olives and capers are salty.

Step 6:

Add the drained pasta to the sauce tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 7:

Remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon zest if using.

Step 8:

Serve immediately garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Pin it

This dish brings my family together especially on busy weeknights when we need something quick yet delicious.

Required Tools

Large pot large skillet wooden spoon colander zester (optional)

Allergen Information

Contains fish (anchovies) and gluten (pasta). Double-check all ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 68 g Protein 13 g per serving

Pin it

Chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients easily for everyday cooking and homemade recipes.

Check price on Amazon

A simple dish that delivers complex flavors and makes an easy weeknight dinner unforgettable.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes the sauce in this dish distinctive?

The sauce combines garlic, anchovies, olives, capers, and tomato for a savory, tangy flavor characteristic of southern Italian cooking.

→ Can I substitute the ditalini pasta for another type?

Yes, similar short pastas like rigatoni or penne work well if ditalini is not available.

→ How can I adjust the spice level in the sauce?

Modulate the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit entirely for a milder taste.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative to anchovies here?

Omitting anchovies and adding a splash of soy sauce can provide an umami boost without fish.

→ What garnishes complement this pasta best?

Fresh flat-leaf parsley and a touch of lemon zest enhance flavor and add a refreshing finish.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too salty?

Since anchovies, olives, and capers are salty, taste as you go and adjust salt accordingly.