
Image Credit- Hema
If you are craving bold Italian flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this very easy Italian puttanesca spaghetti sauce recipe is exactly what you need. Puttanesca sauce is famous for its rich, salty, and tangy taste, made with simple pantry ingredients that come together quickly. Originating from southern Italy, this sauce proves that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create a truly satisfying meal.
One of the best things about this very easy Italian puttanesca spaghetti sauce recipe is how fast it is to prepare. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and about 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have a restaurant-quality pasta dish ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or when you simply want a comforting bowl of pasta without any stress.
Very Easy Italian Puttanesca Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

What Is Puttanesca Sauce?
Puttanesca is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce known for its bold flavors. Traditionally, it includes tomatoes, garlic, olives, capers, and anchovies. These ingredients create a balance of salty, savory, and slightly spicy notes that coat the spaghetti beautifully. While anchovies may sound intimidating, they melt into the sauce and add depth without a fishy taste.
This very easy Italian puttanesca spaghetti sauce recipe keeps things simple while staying true to the authentic flavors of Italy.
- Preparation Time 10 minutes
- Cooking Time 15-20 mintues
- Serving Person 2-3
Ingredients You Will Need
For this very easy Italian puttanesca spaghetti sauce recipe, you only need a few pantry staples:
- Spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Anchovy fillets (optional but recommended)
- Crushed tomatoes or canned tomatoes
- Black olives or Kalamata olives, sliced
- Capers, rinsed
- Red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
These ingredients are easy to find and store, making this recipe ideal for quick meals.
How to Make Very Easy Italian Puttanesca Spaghetti Sauce
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add the anchovy fillets and gently mash them into the oil until they dissolve. This step adds incredible flavor to the sauce.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, olives, and capers. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10–15 minutes. Add red chili flakes if you like a little heat. Season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that olives and capers are already salty.
Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce, tossing everything together. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
Tips for the Best Puttanesca Sauce
- Use good-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Rinse capers to control saltiness.
- Anchovies are optional, but they make the sauce richer and more authentic.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
This very easy Italian puttanesca spaghetti sauce recipe is flexible and forgiving, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
Why This Recipe Is a Weeknight Favorite
This recipe is loved because it’s fast, flavorful, and filling. You don’t need meat or long cooking times to enjoy a hearty meal. The strong flavors make each bite satisfying, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
The very easy Italian puttanesca spaghetti sauce recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re new to Italian cooking or just need a quick pasta fix, this recipe delivers every time. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and enjoy a taste of Italy at home.
This very easy Italian puttanesca spaghetti sauce recipe proves that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create bold, authentic flavors at home. With its rich tomato base, briny olives, tangy capers, and aromatic garlic, this dish comes together quickly and tastes incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a classic Italian meal without extra effort. Try it once, adjust the spice to your liking, and enjoy every bite. If you make this recipe or add your own twist, let us know in comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this considered a very easy Italian puttanesca spaghetti sauce recipe?
This recipe is considered easy because it uses pantry-friendly ingredients, requires minimal preparation, and cooks in under 30 minutes while still delivering rich Italian flavors.
Can beginners make a very easy Italian puttanesca spaghetti sauce recipe at home?
Yes, beginners can easily make this recipe by following simple steps like sautéing garlic, adding tomatoes, olives, and capers, and letting the sauce simmer briefly before serving.
What pasta works best with a very easy Italian puttanesca spaghetti sauce recipe?
Spaghetti is the classic choice, but this sauce also pairs well with linguine, penne, or any pasta that holds sauce well.



