Pantry Puttanesca Pasta Recipe

Did you know that October is National Pasta Month?

That’s perfect for our family, since we love pasta!

During the week, I need a meal that is wholesome and delicious, but that doesn’t take too long to prepare. Since there are endless possibilities for recipe creation with pasta, it’s often my first choice for dinner.

I’ve recently discovered a great new place to get pasta recipes and cooking tips – on the Pasta Fits website. There are dozens of recipes to choose from and we’ve been having a ball trying out new dishes together.

This week, we tried the Pantry Puttanesca Pasta Recipe.

.

Pantry Puttanesca Pasta Recipe

.

Ingredients

.

•    8 oz. of linguine, spaghetti or pasta of your choice
•    1 28 oz. can plum or sundried tomatoes
•    1 small onion, peeled and diced (1/2 cup)
•    1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
•    1 tsp. dried basil
•    1/4-1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
•    1 3 oz. can white tuna packed in water, drained and crumbled
•    1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
•    3 tbsp. chopped pitted olives (green or black)
•    4-6 anchovy fillets (optional)
•    Salt to taste
•    Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese (optional garnish)

.

Directions

.

Prepare pasta according to package directions.

While pasta is cooking, combine plum tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes in a 2 quart saucepan and heat to boiling.

Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, approximately 10-20 minutes and lower heat to a simmer. Stir the tuna, parsley, olives and anchovies (if using) into the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper if necessary.

When pasta is complete, drain well and return it to the pot. Add the sauce and stir until it is evenly distributed. Transfer the pasta to four serving bowls or platter and serve immediately.  Add grated cheese as an option garnish.

.

.

Pasta Fits is a culinary and nutrition education and resource initiative, with lots of great recipes, cooking tips, nutrition information, contests and promotions. Pasta is a budget-friendly option that’s versatile enough to please everyone in the family, and can fit into a busy lifestyle with easy meal possibilities.

The complex carbohydrates in pasta provide the optimum “fuel” to power your muscles and brain. Pasta is great for pairing with fiber-filled veggies and beans, heart-healthy fish and oils, antioxidant-rich tomato sauce and protein-filled poultry and lean meats.

When you’re looking for a great recipe for those hectic weekday nights, be sure to check out Pasta Fits!

.

Learn more about Pasta Fits:

Pasta Fits Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest