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No-cook puttanesca spaghetti recipe for a quick meal

This high-protein spaghetti with no-cook puttanesca is a vibrant and flavourful dish that showcases the best of summer’s bounty. By combining juicy beefsteak and cherry tomatoes with garlic, Castelvetrano olives, and capers, this recipe delivers a fresh, savoury sauce that requires no cooking, allowing the ingredients to shine. With a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes, each forkful is both satisfying and invigorating, making it a perfect choice for warmer evenings.

Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with protein, thanks to the hearty addition of olives and the rich buttery finish. Serve it with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a truly delightful meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients for Spaghetti with no-cook puttanesca

  • 450 g beefsteak tomatoes, halved crosswise, seeds removed

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated

  • 5 ml crushed red pepper flakes

  • 10 ml kosher salt, plus more

  • 225 g cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 120 g Castelvetrano olives, crushed, pits removed

  • 30 ml drained capers

  • 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

  • 340 g spaghetti

  • 15 g finely chopped parsley

  • 45 g unsalted butter, cut into pieces

How to make Spaghetti with no-cook puttanesca

  1. Pulse the beefsteak tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and 2 teaspoons of salt in a food processor until smooth. Transfer the sauce to a large bowl and mix in the cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and 60 ml of oil.

  2. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving 60 ml of the cooking liquid.

  3. Add the pasta, parsley, and butter to the sauce. Toss vigorously with tongs, adding a splash of the reserved pasta cooking liquid as needed to create an emulsified sauce that coats the pasta.

  4. Divide the pasta among bowls and drizzle with additional oil before serving.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jul 2025 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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