Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca Recipe
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.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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