Pilchard puttanesca

Discover this authentic Italian Pilchard puttanesca recipe — a quick and easy dish that's moderately challenging but rewarding. Made with spaghetti, olive oil, onion and 6 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 2 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 11 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this italian classic is sure to impress.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

1

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

400

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Pilchard puttanesca

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 300 g Spaghetti
  • 1 tbls Olive Oil
  • 1 finely chopped Onion
  • 2 cloves minced Garlic
  • 1 Red Chilli
  • 1 tbls Tomato Puree
  • 425 g Pilchards
  • 70 g Black Olives
  • Shaved Parmesan

Instructions

2 steps · ~11 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Cook the pasta following pack instructions. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and cook the onion, garlic and chilli for 3-4 mins to soften. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1 min, then add the pilchards with their sauce. Cook, breaking up the fish with a wooden spoon, then add the olives and continue to cook for a few more mins.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  2. Step 2

    Drain the pasta and add to the pan with 2-3 tbsp of the cooking water. Toss everything together well, then divide between plates and serve, scattered with Parmesan.

    3 minutes
    Save some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Italian recipe for Pilchard puttanesca is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Gluten-free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives or zucchini noodles. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Italian cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your italian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Garlic bread
🍽️Caesar salad
🍽️Roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Pilchard puttanesca is a beloved dish from Italian cuisine, originating in Italy. With a total preparation time of about 16 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on simple, quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Each region of Italy has its own distinct culinary traditions, passed down through generations.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 9 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditionally, spaghetti is used for puttanesca, but you can also use linguine or any pasta of your choice.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories400kcal
Total Fat18g
Sodium424mg
Total Carbohydrates44g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein48g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineItalian
CategoryNoodles
CountryItaly