Puttanesca is a sauce that is traditionally spicy, tangy, salty and, of course, a bit sassy. The ingredients used to create this flavor palette are simple, few in number, and easy to come by, which makes this dish an excellent “throw together” for a weeknight meal. It’s also a great meal accompaniment for a TV night fit for two. Dan and I may or may not be able to vouch for this as we may or may not have watched five straight episodes of Breaking Bad last night. I ask that you please hold your judgments until you’ve watched the show. One word: addicting.
Speaking of addicting, this puttanesca sauce will have you going back for a second (and maybe even third) helping. Best of all, you can keep all indulgence guilt at bay by keeping this tidbit in mind: a heaping serving of this hearty pasta dish squeaks by with a modest 425 calories and is chock-full of heart healthy ingredients. Thus, eat to your heart’s content.
Vegetarian Linguine alla Puttanesca (Serves 4)
Modified from foodnetwork.com
* 12 ounces linguine, cooked according to package (reserve 1/2 cup pasta water)
* 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, chopped
* 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
* 2 tbsp capers, drained
* 1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes
* 1/4 cup dry white wine
* 4 basil leaves, torn, plus more for garnish
* sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
1. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly toasted (1-2 minutes).
2. Add the capers and cook 2-3 minutes.
3. Crush the tomatoes, by hand, into the skillet and reserve the juices. Cook the sauce until the tomatoes become slightly dry (3-4 minutes).
4. Add the white wine, reserved juices, salt and black pepper. Cook until the sauce begins to reduce (10-12 minutes).
5. Put the cooked linguine into a large serving bowl and pour the puttanesca sauce evenly over top. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with sauce. Sprinkle shaved Parmesan and chopped basil over top and serve. Enjoy!
yum, looks nice and simple. Just the way I like it! :D
Thank you! It is super simple and delicious! :)
Looks like a great summer pasta dish. Mom
There’s just something about a good pasta dish, and this looks amazing.