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Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca Recipe

4.8 from 604 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Veggie Spaghetti Puttanesca featuring a medley of tomatoes, olives, capers, and garlic tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This plant-based twist on the classic Italian dish offers a quick and satisfying meal packed with savory and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Sauce

  • 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup pitted black olives, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce gently for 8-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly; if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Cook together for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  4. Serve: Plate the spaghetti puttanesca and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot for a delicious vegetarian meal.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version.
  • Add extra chili flakes for more heat.
  • Capers and olives provide a naturally salty flavor, so adjust additional salt carefully.
  • For added protein, consider topping with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if not vegan.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: veggie spaghetti puttanesca, vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta recipe, spaghetti with olives and capers, easy pasta dinner