Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Spaghetti alla Puttanesca, my all-time favorite pasta recipe. This dish has become my go-to on Friday nights while binge-watching series, as its savory combination of anchovy paste, Kalamata olives, garlic, chili flakes, cherry tomatoes, and capers never fails to satisfy my cravings. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of bold and tangy flavors in this classic Italian pasta dish.

This recipe yields 4 portions (or 1 portion that will last you through the night while bing-watching series)

Ingredients:

400 grams spaghetti

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves of garlic (minced, mashed or sliced)

1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons anchovy paste

100 grams Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)

200 grams cherry tomatoes (halved)

4 tablespoons capers, drained

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic turns fragrant. Stir in the anchovy paste and cook for an additional minute, allowing it to melt into the oil. Add the Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and capers to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the anchovy paste and capers are already salty, so you may not need much additional salt.
In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil.

Tips:

Feel free to adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili flakes. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Pair this pasta dish with a glass of red wine and enjoy a delightful evening of binge-watching your favorite series.

Enjoy!