This is an anchovy dish more than a tomato one, so the tin you open decides everything; cheap anchovies read fishy, good ones read savory. The move that matters: melt the anchovies into the warm oil until they dissolve completely, so you taste depth and salt but never a filet.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep10 min
Cook20 min
Makes4 servings
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 long strand carries this chunky, salty sauce well.
Melt anchoviesWarm olive oil with sliced garlic, chili, and the anchovies over medium-low; press with a spoon until the anchovies dissolve completely, about 3 min.
Build sauceAdd crushed tomatoes, olives, and rinsed capers; simmer 15 min until thick. Taste before salting, the sauce is already salty.
Cook pastaBoil spaghetti to al dente and reserve a cup of pasta water.
TossDrain pasta into the sauce with a splash of water and toss over heat 1 min until it coats every strand.
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.
Open data. Every maker on this site is published as a free dataset under CC BY 4.0 — use it in anything, commercial or not, as long as you credit 5best2buy. Browse the datasets →