Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 can pilchards (drained and flaked)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp capers (rinsed)
- 1 cup black olives (sliced)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
6 steps
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve some pasta water for later.Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Do not burn the garlic.Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, capers, black olives, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Adjust seasoning to your preference.Incorporate Pilchards
Gently fold in the flaked pilchards and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Be careful not to break the pilchards too much.Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water.
Mix well to ensure all pasta is coated.Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Pilchard Puttanesca!
Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
💡 Tips & Tricks
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
Authentic Pilchard Puttanesca Recipe - Italian Noodles is a beloved dish from Italian cuisine.
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 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, any pasta can be used, such as penne or linguine.
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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.






