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.
15
Prep Time (min)
1
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
400
Calories/serving
Medium
Difficulty

Ingredients
- 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
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 minutesTest the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.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 minutesSave some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
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:
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
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.




