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Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca Recipe

4.6 from 73 reviews

This Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca is a vibrant and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring a savory sauce made from tomatoes, olives, capers, and garlic. It combines the zingy, briny flavors of the Mediterranean in a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch. The dish is entirely vegetarian and highlighting fresh ingredients for a wholesome flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti

Sauce

  • 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped or crushed
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water for later.
  2. Prepare the sauce: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
  3. Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in chopped tomatoes, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce gently for about 7-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
  5. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • You can use canned crushed tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are not available.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and olives to your preference for stronger or milder flavors.
  • Red pepper flakes add a nice heat, but they can be omitted for a milder dish.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: vegetarian spaghetti puttanesca, Italian pasta recipe, veggie puttanesca, vegetarian pasta sauce, quick dinner recipes