Spaghetti Puttanesca


SERVES 4 TO 6

The pasta and sauce cook in about the same amount of time, so begin the sauce just after you add the pasta to the boiling water in step 1.

3

medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 1 tablespoon)

Table salt

1

pound spaghetti

1

(28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained and ½ cup juice reserved

2

tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

4

teaspoons minced anchovy fillets (about 8 fillets)

1

teaspoon red pepper flakes

½

cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped coarse

¼

cup minced fresh parsley leaves

3

tablespoons capers, rinsed

1. Combine the garlic with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl; set aside. Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta to the boiling water and cook, stirring often, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water then drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add ¼ cup of the reserved tomato juice and toss to combine.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil, anchovies, garlic mixture, and red pepper flakes in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes.

3. Stir the olives, parsley, and capers into the sauce. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to combine; adjust the consistency of the sauce with the remaining reserved tomato juice or reserved pasta cooking water as needed. Season with salt to taste, drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil, if desired, and serve immediately.