Classic Puttanesca
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
13-14 minsFree Time
to preserve fresh summer tomatoes
Puttanesca is a flavorful fusion of tomatoes, salty capers, briny olives, umami-packed anchovies, and garlic. Simplicity shines with this recipe: toss everything into the Anyday dish, and let the magic happen! When pasta meets sauce in the Anyday dish, a beautiful thing happens: with just the right amount of water, the pasta soaks up all those delectable flavors. Whip it up while you prep a salad (and perhaps uncork some midweek wine), achieving a gourmet dinner in under 20 minutes.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 3 anchovy fillets, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon sliced olives
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ⅛ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup (115g) crushed tomatoes
- 4 oz (150g) spaghetti
- 1¼ cups (300ml) chicken or vegetable stock
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
- Grated parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
- Place all the ingredients in the Anyday dish and stir to combine.
- Cook uncovered for 13-14 minutes, or until fragrant and the pasta is al dente.
- Toss pasta to incorporate all ingredients. Garnish with fresh basil and grated cheese, if desired.
Serving suggestions & tips
- If you don’t like anchovies, add miso to provide extra umami.
- Add a tablespoon of pesto right before serving for even more flavor.
- Stir in some ricotta cheese for a creamy and light flavor combination.
Recipe notes
- Add a tablespoon or two of water if the pasta is too thick.
- Opt for capers in brine rather than salt-packed capers. Otherwise, the dish might be too salty.
- If the water overflows, you can switch to a Large Deep or Extra Large, or reduce to Power Level 8 and then continue cooking.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Puttanesca in the Microwave
What is puttanesca?
Puttanesca is a traditional Italian pasta dish known for its bold and flavorful profile (and the fact that it’s made with pantry staples!). The sauce typically combines tomatoes, garlic, olives, capers, anchovies, and red chili flakes, creating a rich, tangy, and salty taste. It's commonly served with spaghetti, though other long pasta shapes like linguine also pair well with it.
Why should I cook pasta in the microwave?
Cooking pasta in the microwave using an Anyday dish is a convenient and efficient way to simplify meal preparation. This method eliminates the need to boil water beforehand, saving time and energy typically spent waiting for a pot to heat up on the stove. You simply add pasta and water directly to the Anyday dish and microwave it uncovered, significantly reducing the overall cooking time. Additionally, this approach is more energy-efficient than traditional stovetop methods and minimizes cleanup, as the same dish is used for both cooking and serving (and storing and reheating leftovers!).
What type of olives work best for this recipe, and can I use different varieties?
Any type of olives will work well in this recipe, but traditional choices include Kalamata olives. You can use different varieties or a combination for added flavor. If you like olives, check out this delicious Olive Butter Steamed Fish.
Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes. Just keep in mind that diced tomatoes may result in a chunkier sauce compared to crushed tomatoes. Fire-roasted or even jarred
pasta sauce will also work if crushed tomatoes are unavailable.
Can I use water instead of chicken or vegetable stock, and will it affect the flavor?
Yes, you can use water instead of chicken or vegetable stock. While it may reduce the flavor slightly, it will still be delicious. Alternatively, you can use a combination of water and a bouillon cube for added flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later, or is it best enjoyed immediately after cooking?
You can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later. Store the leftovers in an Anyday dish with lid on in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in the Anyday dish for a few minutes until heated through, stirring halfway through.
What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat puttanesca in an Anyday dish, simply transfer the desired portion into the dish (if your leftovers aren’t stored in there already), sprinkle some tap water over it, then cover it with the lid, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
