Sugo alla puttanesca
(Puttanesca Sauce)
Sugo alla puttanesca is a robust Italian sauce typically made with kalamata olives, capers, anchovies, tomatoes, and crushed red pepper flakes. The combination is sautéed in olive oil until thick and fragrant, and it is usually seasoned with salt and pepper, with the optional addition of sugar, garlic, and herbs such as parsley, dried oregano, or basil.
Although its origins are not entirely clear, the sauce is believed to have originated in Naples in the mid-20th century. Interestingly, when translated from Italian, the name alla puttanesca means in the style of a prostitute from the Italian word puttana, meaning prostitute or whore.
Traditionally, the sauce is enjoyed with spaghetti, but it can also be used with other pasta types such as penne, linguine, or bucatini.
Pairing tips
Fiano di Avellino
This white Italian wine is produced in Campania with an ancient Fiano grape. The best examples made in the region are typically light or full-bodied, fresh, lively, and ... Read more
Serve with
Conchiglie
Conchiglie is a variety of Italian medium-sized pasta characterized by its seashell shape. There are three main sizes of conchiglie: small (conchigliette... Read more
Bucatini
Bucatini is a long, narrow, tubular pasta variety that resembles spaghetti. The pasta is characterized by its chewy and dense texture. The holes ... Read more
Spaghetti
In its most basic form, this popular type of pasta consists of durum flour and water. The word spaghetti means a small string, and this long, string-shaped pasta was originally ... Read more
Linguine
The name of this flat, thin Italian pasta variety translates literally as “little tongues”. It is also known as trenette or bavette in Italy. Linguine is made ... Read more
WHERE TO EAT The best Sugo alla puttanesca in the world (according to food experts)
