Last modified: . Originally posted: By Sophia DeSantis
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This vegetarian pasta puttanesca recipe is made with pantry staples in less than 30 minutes! It's made without anchovies but has the same incredible flavor.
This puttanesca pasta is an easy meal to impress your guests. Feels and tastes like a restaurant, but made as quick as fast food!
This post was originally published on October 20, 2016.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Terra's Kitchen. The opinions and text are all mine.
We love Italian food so options are important so we don't have the same meal over and over. While our tomato marinara sauce is a fam favorite, the best and most surprising part, is that our kids love this vegan puttanesca sauce too!
This sauce is filled with amazing flavorbomb ingredients. You'd think by taking a glance that it would be too much, but the ingredients pair perfectly together! The added bonus is how quick and easy it is to throw together.
This is made with some very basic pantry type items, so if you're looking for a pantry recipe, it's a good one!
Ingredients
There are some traditional basic ingredients used in puttanesca sauce, but one of them, anchovies, is not vegan. However anchovies main attribution is the salt they contribute. So it's easy to substitute them.
Since capers have a similar flavor profile, and they already are used in puttanesca, they make a perfect substitute. Simply just use a little more to make up for the loss of anchovies.
Combine them with the other spices and flavors and you get a final product with total awesomeness!
- Crushed tomatoes - san marzano tomatoes are a popular choice, but any will work. Be sure to choose no salt added if needed.
- Garlic - freshly mince your own garlic cloves to get the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch.
- Fresh parsley- the pop of flavor from the fresh herbs is unmatched! Don't sub for dried herbs if you don't have to. You could also add in some oregano or fresh basil leaves.
- Olives - kalamata olives are best to use, however other varieties such as green or black olives will work too, the taste will just be slightly different.
- Capers - these salty morsels are a staple in the classic recipe and are a must to capture the right taste.
- Seasonings - dried thyme and salt help to round out the overall flavor, and red pepper flakes can be used to add some spice.
- Penne pasta - see below for extra serving suggestions.
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese- this grated cheese is optionally (but highly recommended) sprinkled on top when serving.
How to Make Vegan Puttanesca Sauce
Here are the few steps you need to get this done in under 30 minutes with minimal prep time:
- Combine the tomatoes, garlic, red pepper and salt in a large pot or saucepan with olive oil or vegetable broth and let it simmer over medium heat to thicken.
- Add in the olives, capers, thyme and parsley.
- Toss with the boiled pasta.
- Serve!
This recipe originated from a partnership I did with a meal service called Terra's Kitchen. Unfortunately they are no longer in business but I felt I needed to mention them since it was not my original creation.
What to Serve With Puttanesca Sauce
While al dente penne pasta is the obvious choice here, you can also make spaghetti alla puttanesca or any pasta shape you like, even a gluten-free alternative you love. But you can also serve this on top of many other things! Here are a few things we've tried:
- Spaghetti squash
- Blanched zucchini noodles
- Rice
- Quinoa
- In a veggie lasagna, simple sub this for one of the layers or double it to use as the tomato sauce base
This would also go great with garlic bread and some salad! You can use an actual salad recipe or simply add a side salad tossed with balsamic, sea salt and a drizzle of oil or broth if you are oil free.
Here are some salad recipes to try if you want something a little more involved:
- Lemon Kale Salad
- Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
- Grilled Romaine with Vegan Caesar Dressing
- Avocado Kale Salad
Topping Ideas
Dress up this dish with extra flavor with these plant based garnishes:
- Parmesan cheese (Just do yourself a favor and always have this on hand!)
- Feta Cheese
- Ricotta Cheese
- Or, drizzle with Creamy Vegan Alfredo Sauce
How to Add Protein
If you want to make this an all encompassing meal and add a serving of protein, there are a few things I would suggest:
- Store bought veggie based sausage.
- These chickpea sausage crumbles.
- Add some white beans to the sauce, you can add canned ones at the end.
- Crumble up some tempeh and add it in with the tomatoes at the beginning to give it an almost bolognese like feel.
Common Questions
Why is it called puttanesca?
There are actually many stories about where this name came from. Some resources say it was first called "alla marinara" and then the name changed after the second World War.
Other sources say it originated in the brothels, which is what the word "puttana" means.
And yet others say it was invented one night when the owner of a restaurant wanted to feed his hungry customers and simply threw together what he had.
What does puttanesca taste like?
Puttanesca sauce has a very salty bold and rich flavor. It combines the saltiness of the olives, capers and anchovies (if you use them) into the tomato sauce to result in the delicious end result.
Can Vegans eat capers?
Yes! Capers are simply flower buds that have been pickled. So they originate from a plant.
Is Puttanesca healthy?
Yes! It is made of whole food ingredients and has some great nutritional benefits. The only thing to watch is if you have issues with sodium as it has a higher salt content.
More Vegan Pasta Recipes
If you love Italian food, here are some other delicious plant based recipes to try:
- Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
- Vegan Gnocchi Recipe (Gluten Free)
- The Best Vegan Carbonara Recipe
- The Best Vegetable Bolognese Sauce
Vegetarian Pasta Puttanesca Recipe
Sophia DeSantis
This vegetarian pasta puttanesca recipe is made with pantry staples in less than 30 minutes! It's made without anchovies but has the same incredible flavor.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Shop Ingredients
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course 30 Minutes or Less, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 543 kcal
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1-3 teaspoons red pepper flakes , optional depending on how spicy you want it
- drizzle oil for sautéing , or broth if oil free
- ½ cup chopped parsley , save 2 tablespoons for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped kalamata olives
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 8 ounces penne pasta , gluten-free if needed or other shape of choice
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese , optional for serving
Shop Ingredients on Jupiter
Instructions
Add tomatoes, garlic, red pepper and salt with oil or broth into a pan and simmer 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in olives, capers, thyme and all but 2 tablespoons parsley (save for garnish).
Cook 1 more minute or until thoroughly heated.
Cook pasta according to directions on the box.
Add pasta to the hot sauce and toss.
Garnish with parsley and top with Parmesan if desired and serve!
Notes
- You can serve this with many things, like spaghetti squash if you don't want to do pasta.
- Parmesan is optional but highly recommended
- Nutrition facts do not include optional items
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Calories: 543kcalCarbohydrates: 107gProtein: 20gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 986mgPotassium: 1065mgFiber: 11gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 2223IUVitamin C: 44mgCalcium: 181mgIron: 8mg
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Sarah
I love how easy this was! Definitely adding to the regular rotation.
Reply
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy
Yum!! This pasta sounds delicious...those olives and tomatoes! I love veg friendly meal plans out there. This container it came in is outstanding!
veggiesdontbite
It was delicious! It's an amazing company!
Reply
Veena
Oh I wish there was something like that at my end. Especially on busy week days when you really have not time on hands.
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veggiesdontbite
Perfect for busy days!
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David Crowley
I know what you mean about foodies needing a break sometimes! Sounds like a great service, the ingredients look very fresh and flavorful.
Reply
veggiesdontbite
We are people too! LOL! It is very fresh and flavorful!
Reply
Platter Talk
I've heard of this service before but have never tried it. It's great.
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veggiesdontbite
Highly recommend it!! It's awesome.
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Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs
I could really do with this. Our life is way too hectic atm and we aren't eating very well. Would love to come home to a dinner like this!
Reply
veggiesdontbite
Isn't it awesome! So fresh and healthy! Hope things settle down.
Reply
Just Jo
This recipe look absolutely beautiful - you definitely showcased the Terra products extremely well. That "vessel" is a seriously cool way to deliver the meals!
Reply
veggiesdontbite
Thanks so much! The vessel was awesome!
Reply
The Vegan 8
I had never heard of these before and they sound so amazing! I love, love that they send the ingredients so you can make it yourself instead of those pre-made meals that are full of sodium and crapola. This sounds fantastic and would make busy days so much easier, yet still fresh and healthy! That recipe sounds divine, so simple and fresh. I definitely need to try that! LOVE arugula and any excuse to use it is a win in my book! So cool you got to try them out!
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veggiesdontbite
It's such a great service for those that want fresh and healthy but don't have the time! It's a type A dream. You would love the organization of it!! LOL!
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Linda @ Veganosity
This is so great for people who don't like to cook, or who don't have time to plan a menu. It looks like it would also be a great way to lift some weights. That container looks heavy-haha!
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veggiesdontbite
It totally is!! Ha! Yes, it's heavy but durable and so awesome!
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dixya @food, pleasure, and health
i'd definitely try something like this esp when i have no time to plan or think of my meals yet want to enjoy cooking and eating at home!
Reply
veggiesdontbite
Yes! It's perfect for that!
Reply
Mandy
What an amazing service!!! To have everything prepped for you and ready to go sounds incredible...especially on the super busy days...or if you're a mom, that basically means every day ? That vessel is insane!!!! It's like a mini, well stocked, and very organized fridge. This recipe sounds delicious! Pretty much anything with kalamata olives will get my approval!
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veggiesdontbite
Oh it's amazing! A type A organization dream. It is literally the perfect thing for those busy people or those that just don't like prepping meals but want the healthy lifestyle!
Reply
Cassie
This looks like the vegan version of Blue Apron! LOVE their recipe ideas. The pasta sauce for this recipe looks phenomenal!
Reply
veggiesdontbite
It isn't all vegan, but they have tons of veggie and vegan options! And everything is so fresh and so easy to throw together! Huge recommendation from me!
Reply
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