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Spaghetti alla puttanesca
Warm the oil with the anchovies over low heat, pressing them until they melt. Add garlic and chilli and cook until the garlic is pale gold.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Spaghetti alla puttanesca take?
30 min all in — 10 min prep, 20 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
Medium heat.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Fish. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Pescatarian, Dairy-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Frying pan, Saucepan.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp (for the water).
What can I use instead?
Gaeta olives → Kalamata olives. Fruitier and a little stronger; use slightly fewer.
Any tips from this recipe?
Salt the pasta water lightly: anchovies, capers and olives are all salty. Gaeta olives are small, purple-black and mild; Kalamata are the nearest swap.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.