Tune Your Taste Buds: The Perfect Penne Puttanesca Delight

Penne Puttanesca is a classic Italian pasta dish that boasts robust flavors thanks to its rich blend of tomatoes, garlic, olives, capers, and anchovies. It’s a vibrant dish that brings together a medley of savory, salty, and tangy notes. This recipe will guide you to create a mouthwatering Penne Puttanesca that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

Pasta:
– 400 grams of Penne pasta

Sauce:
– 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 6-8 anchovy fillets, chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup of pitted black olives, sliced
– 3 tablespoons of capers, drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Make the sauce:
– In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
– Add the chopped anchovy fillets and red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the anchovies have dissolved into the oil, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Combine tomatoes and other flavors:
– Stir in the crushed tomatoes, black olives, and capers. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
– Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Mix pasta and sauce:
– Add the cooked Penne pasta to the skillet with the puttanesca sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

5. Serve and garnish:
– Divide the Penne Puttanesca among serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Penne Puttanesca! This dish is sure to delight with its bold and tantalizing Italian flavors.