Puttanesca Ditalini Pasta (Printable version)

Ditalini pasta tossed in a garlicky tomato sauce with olives, capers, and savory anchovies.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz ditalini pasta

→ Sauce

02 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
03 - 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
06 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
07 - 1/2 cup pitted black olives, roughly chopped
08 - 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
09 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - Salt, to taste

→ Finishing

12 - 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
13 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
02 - Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add anchovies and cook, stirring, until they dissolve into the oil, about 1 minute.
03 - Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add diced tomatoes, chopped olives, capers, and dried oregano. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
05 - Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt if needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of anchovies, olives, and capers.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce if necessary.
07 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in fresh flat-leaf parsley and lemon zest if using.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Freezer friendly
02 -
  • For a vegetarian version, omit anchovies and add a splash of soy sauce for umami.
  • Pair with a crisp Italian white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.
03 -
  • Use rigatoni or penne if ditalini is unavailable.
  • For umami depth omit anchovies for vegetarian option and add soy sauce.
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