Easy Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (25 Minute One Pot)

If you’ve ever craved a bold, briny pasta dinner that delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort, you’re in for a treat with this Easy Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (25 Minute One Pot). This version is a true weeknight hero: it’s loaded with juicy tomatoes, plump olives, a hint of heat, and that signature salty-tangy depth—all in a single pot. Whether you’re new to puttanesca or have loved it for years, this speedy, fuss-free pasta will quickly become your go-to for satisfying, vibrant meals that never feel boring or bland.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The heart of every fabulous Easy Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (25 Minute One Pot) is simple, honest ingredients you probably already have at home. Each element brings either color, punchy flavor, or just the perfect texture you want in every bite—no fancy frills required!

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base for your sauce, infusing everything with richness and a smooth, fruity undertone.
• Garlic (minced): Minced fresh garlic adds a real kick and irresistible aroma that signals a seriously good meal is underway.
• Anchovy Paste: This is the umami secret weapon; it melts into the sauce, leaving behind only savory, salty depth, not fishiness.
• Crushed Red Pepper: A pinch or more wakes up the dish with lively heat—adjust to your spice threshold.
• Crushed Tomatoes: These make up the main body of the sauce, offering rich, thick tomato goodness.
• Whole Peeled Tomatoes: Tossed in for rustic texture and bursts of sweet tomato flavor; break them up as you cook.
• Whole Pitted Black Olives: Silky and robust, they provide that briny signature and a gorgeous pop of color.
• Capers: Tiny but mighty, capers give the sauce zingy pops of salt and tang with every bite.
• Dried Fettuccine: Long ribbons that soak up sauce and cook to tender, slippery perfection right in the pan.
• Fresh Basil (chopped): Bright, herbal, and aromatic, basil brings the finishing touch and a hit of freshness.

How to Make Easy Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (25 Minute One Pot)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your extra virgin olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, anchovy paste, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic turns golden and everything smells amazing. This step builds the entire foundation of flavor for your Easy Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (25 Minute One Pot), so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Olives, and Capers

Pour in both your cans of tomatoes—crushed and whole peeled—directly into the pan. Add the olives and capers as well. Use a wooden spoon or fork to gently break up the whole tomatoes and olives. This creates a chunky, ultra-flavorful sauce loaded with texture and deep savory notes that shine through in the final dish.

Step 3: Simmer with Water and Pasta

Stir in about 2 cups of water, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. Then, add your dried fettuccine right to the skillet. Use tongs to carefully nestle the noodles into the liquid so they soften evenly. This one pot approach does all the work for you—no fussing with separate pans and colanders.

Step 4: Cook Until Al Dente

Cover your skillet and let everything gently simmer together for 10-15 minutes. Give the pasta a couple of good stirs as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t clump or stick. Once the noodles are just al dente and beautifully coated in that zingy, olive-studded sauce, you’re ready for the last flourish.

Step 5: Add Basil and Serve

Right before serving, stir in your chopped fresh basil for brightness. Dish up immediately, offering extra basil or even a shower of Parmesan, if you’d like. You won’t believe this Easy Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (25 Minute One Pot) came together in only 25 minutes—it tastes like a labor of love!

How to Serve Easy Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (25 Minute One Pot)

Garnishes

A handful of fresh basil scattered on top looks gorgeous and adds aroma. For extra classic flair, a few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil really elevate every bowl. If you love a little more punch, sprinkle some extra capers or cracked black pepper on each plate.

Side Dishes

This bold, savory pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a platter of roasted veggies—think asparagus, zucchini, or peppers. Crusty bread for sopping up the sauce is an absolute must, and a glass of your favorite red wine rounds everything out.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, consider portioning the pasta into shallow bowls and topping each with a few whole olives, a basil sprig, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. For a more rustic touch, serve it family-style straight from the skillet—everyone will love how cozy and inviting it feels. Try tucking a few anchovy fillets on the side for those who want an extra umami punch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of your Easy Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (25 Minute One Pot) taste just as satisfying the next day! Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making your lunch or quick dinner a true treat.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze it, portion the cooled pasta and sauce into airtight containers or freezer bags. Keep in mind that the noodles may soften a bit after thawing, but they’ll still soak up all that amazing sauce. Freeze for up to one month for a grab-and-go weeknight solution!

Reheating

Reheat portions gently in a skillet on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot. Add more fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil before serving to revive that just-cooked vibrancy.

FAQs

Can I leave out the anchovy paste?

Don’t worry if you don’t have anchovy paste or prefer to skip it. While it adds deep, savory complexity to an Easy Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (25 Minute One Pot), the dish will still be fantastic without it—just amp up the olives and capers for a similar effect.

What other types of pasta can I use?

Absolutely! Fettuccine is classic, but spaghetti, linguine, or even penne work beautifully in this dish. Just check for doneness as different shapes may cook a little faster or slower in the sauce.

How do I make it gluten free?

You can substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta—just watch the cook time, as some varieties soften more quickly. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Can I add protein or veggies?

Certainly! Grilled shrimp, seared chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms are fantastic additions to make your Easy Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (25 Minute One Pot) even heartier. Toss in spinach, roasted eggplant, or artichoke hearts for bonus veggie power.

Is this dish very spicy?

The crushed red pepper gives a gentle kick, but it’s completely customizable. Use less (or none) for a milder dish, or sprinkle extra on before serving if you love the heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts impressive and effortless, you can’t go wrong with this Easy Pasta Puttanesca Recipe (25 Minute One Pot). Gather your loved one  and dig in—it’s the kind of pasta that sparks conversation and brings everyone to the table, every time.

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