Melt the anchovies into the oil until they dissolve — they stop tasting like fish and become the deep savory floor the whole sauce stands on. Skip them and no amount of olive and caper fills the hole.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep10 min
Cook20 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineItalian
Cost$
Dairy-free
Contains gluten · fish
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Spaghetti
A sturdy dried spaghetti stands up to the aggressive sauce.
1 lb
Local / market
Anchovy fillets
Oil-packed; they melt into the base and disappear as saltiness. Don't skip them.
6 fillets
Local / market
Garlic
Sliced thin, gently cooked in the oil with the anchovy and chili.
Can you make Pasta alla Puttanesca in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Pasta alla Puttanesca? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Pasta alla Puttanesca ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Pasta alla Puttanesca gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
Is Pasta alla Puttanesca vegan? — No
No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.