Our articles may contain affiliate links. This means we receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying Amazon purchases.

I adapted this Puttanesca Sauce recipe from my first cookbook, The Seduction Cookbook: Culinary Creations For Lovers. It is, of course, the classic sauce for Pasta Puttanesca. But I also enjoy using this sauce over chicken or fish. My version is a little unusual in that I use a whole head of Romanesco cauliflower in the sauce to increase the health benefits as well as give it great texture.

Table of Contents

A tomato sauce with questionable origins

If you know the history of this dish, you already know that the name loosely translates to “whore’s pasta.” However, I like to think of the sensual quality of its fragrant, salty, briny flavor in a more romantic sense, and affiliate it with the legend that its origin was a siren’s call to lure sailors into salons of pleasure.

Unlike most of Italy’s pasta sauces, Puttanesca is a fairly new invention. It is believed that this blend of tomatoes, capers and anchovies emerged around the time of World War II. But the exact year of this sauce recipe’s origin and birthplace are not clear.

A note on anchovies

What is clear is that Puttanesca Sauce is one of the most alluringly pungent of all pasta dishes. Do not be afraid of anchovies.

Rather than give the sauce a “fishy” flavor, the anchovies serve to lend a briny essence that plays exceptionally well with the sweetness of tomatoes. (Not to mention the fact that anchovies, like all seafood, are aphrodisiacs – as are the tomatoes!)

Why I make Puttanesca with roasted cauliflower

Although I used to make Puttanesca for romantic evenings, this sauce is now a favorite family meal in our house. This version, which I fortify with roasted Romanesco cauliflower and a bit of spinach, is perfect for satisfying the whole family. (And they’ll never know they got a full serving of vegetables with the experience.) Just be ready to be transported. When this sauce permeates your kitchen, it will make your home smell like an Italian coastal town.

Puttanesca sauce in a pot with a black spoon

Puttanesca Sauce with Romanesco Cauliflower, Spinach and Oregano

Print Recipe

Diane Brown offers this seductive rendition of Puttanesca sauce flavored with oregano and layered with veggies.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1

Servings 4 servings

Author Diane Brown

Ingredients

1 head romanesco cauliflower cut into florets (or regular cauliflower if Romanesco is not in season)
olive oil
Fresh ground pepper and kosher salt to taste
6 garlic cloves thinly sliced
3 anchovy filets chopped
1 onion diced
2 15-oz cans whole tomatoes with their juices pureed in a food processor
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives roughly chopped
2 Tbsp capers rinsed and drained
1 Tbsp fresh oregano
1 pinch red chile flakes
1 bunch spinach cleaned and chopped

Instructions

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Season the cauliflower with olive oil, pepper and salt, and roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet until browned and tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
Heat a large stock pot and add olive oil. Cook the garlic, anchovies and onions until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, olives, capers, oregano and chile flakes, and bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cook until the tomatoes thicken and sweeten, about 30-40 minutes.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, then stir in the cauliflower.
Season with pepper and salt.
Serve over pasta for a classic Pasta Puttanesca or spoon over fish or chicken.

Author
Recent Posts

Diane Brown

Diane Brown is the author of The Seduction Cookbook: Culinary Creations For Lovers, (Innova Publishing 2005). She is a personal chef as well as a freelance food writer. Her work has appeared in publications including Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Sunset, Veggie Life, Chile Pepper and Wine Enthusiast. She has taught aphrodisiac cooking both in person and on tv and radio, including appearances on The Other Half, Fox News “Ask the Expert” and Leeza at Night. A champion of CSA's, Diane writes the blog Family Farm Box, where she showcases the use of local, fresh produce.

Puttanesca Sauce with Romanesco Cauliflower