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Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca Recipe

4.9 from 68 reviews

A vibrant and tangy Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a savory sauce made from ripe tomatoes, briny olives, capers, and fragrant garlic. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is quick to prepare and bursting with bold flavors, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup pitted black olives, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the diced tomatoes, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the puttanesca sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
  4. Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to your taste.
  • You can substitute black olives with Kalamata olives for a more authentic Mediterranean flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti.
  • Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances richness but makes the dish non-vegan.

Keywords: Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca, vegetarian pasta, Italian spaghetti puttanesca, tomato olive pasta, capers pasta recipe, quick vegetarian dinner