• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Sourdough
      • Gluten-Free Sourdough
      • Sourdough Discard
    • Seasonal Recipes
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
      • Sweet Breads
      • Savory Breads
    • Condiment Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
      • Cocktails
      • Non Alcoholic
Vanilla And Bean

Vanilla And Bean

Sweet and Savory Vegetarian

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
    • Subscribe
    • A little bit about me…
    • Contact
    • Let’s Work Together
    • Blogs I’m Reading
    • Blogger Resources
You are here: Home / Recipes / Main Dish / Pasta / Vegetarian Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca

Vegetarian Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca

By Traci · Jump to Recipe ·
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my affiliate policy.

A simple vegetarian or vegan puttanesca that’s easy to pull together and in minimal time. Garlic, pepper flakes and capers infuse their pungent flavors in a rich tomato sauce while Kalamata olives offer texture and more briny goodness in this pantry friendly vegetarian puttanesca. 

Puttanesca recipe in a white bowl.

Table of Contents

  • Veggie Puttanesca Recipe Inspiration
  • Puttanesca without Anchovies
  • A Pantry Friendly Recipe
  • Quick Guide: How to Make Vegetarian Puttanesca
  • A Few Recipe Tips
  • More Pasta Recipes to Love
  • Vegetarian Spaghetti alla Puttanesca Recipe

Veggie Puttanesca Recipe Inspiration

I wish I could say this vegetarian spaghetti alla puttanesca recipe was inspired by a trip to Naples, overlooking the Italian countryside while sipping a bottle of wine. But no, rather, it was inspired by my husband, years ago when he requested it for dinner in our Texas kitchen. Ha! A rare thing, his request, so I got to work.

This was when I was eating fish, and so I whipped up a puttanesca recipe that included anchovies. It was flavorful and absolutely memorable. So simple and easy, it became a recipe I made on regular rotation.

Pasta puttanesca is a classic Italian dish invented in Naples. This simple recipe is greater than the sum of its parts, culminating into a salty, briny and garlicky combination that’s simply comforting and so satisfying.

Puttanesca without Anchovies

To keep this recipe vegetarian and vegan however, I’ve omitted the anchovies that are included in some traditional recipes and opt for vegan Worchestshire sauce to keep that umami flavor apparent. I gleaned this idea from a recipe and olive tasting class with Divina, maker of fine olives and antipasti, some years ago. I’ve been making it this way ever since.

Preparing the olives on a cutting board for spaghetti puttanesca.   Olives, capers, and red pepper flakes in a skillet, preparing a puttanesca recipe. Preparing puttanesca sauce recipe in a skillet with olives just added.   Vegan Spaghetti Puttanesca in a skillet ready to eat.

A Pantry Friendly Recipe

Simple ingredients and quick to pull together, this vegetarian and vegan puttanesca is perfect for busy nights when you want big flavor and little effort. Share with a hearty salad and crusty bread and dinner is ready in no time!

Quick Guide: How to Make Vegetarian Puttanesca

The key ingredients in spaghetti puttanesca include olive oil, garlic, capers, chili or red pepper flakes, olives and tomatoes. I opt for pitted Kalamata olives for ease and canned diced or crushed Muir Glen tomatoes, but San Marzano are quite nice too. Here’s a summary of how to make this simple pasta puttanesca sauce recipe (see full recipe in recipe card below):

  • First, saute garlic and chili flakes in olive oil for just under 30 seconds, then add the capers and olives. Saute for just a few minutes.
  • Second, pour in the tomatoes, and drizzle in the vegan Worcestershire sauce and olive brine. Simmer.
  • Next, while the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta.
  • Last, toss sauce and pasta together.

Since the flavors improve with a little rest in the fridge, leftovers are fabulous, if there are any!

Pasta Puttanesca Vegan recipe in a skillet with two forks twirled around the pasta.   Vegan Puttanesca recipe in a white bowl. Vegan Spaghetti Puttanesca in a skillet ready to eat.

A Few Recipe Tips

  • For ultimate ease, look for pitted Kalamata olives.
  • For a vegetarian and vegan pasta puttanesca sauce be sure to use a vegan Worcestershire sauce. I like Annie’s or The Wizards.
  • I love a hearty sprinkle of Parmesan* over this sauce. If dairy free or vegan, look for vegan parmesan or DIY vegan parmesan.
  • Gluten Free? Yes please! Use gluten free vegan Worchestshire and gluten free pasta. My favorite gluten free brown rice pasta is from Jovial.

More Pasta Recipes to Love

  • Creamy One Pot Pasta with Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce
  • Lemon Garlic Orzo with Roasted Veggies
  • Orecchiette Pasta with Kale and Capers
  • Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna
  • Cauliflower and Lentil Bolognese
  • Creamy White Bean and Mushroom Orzo
Pasta Puttanesca Vegan recipe in a skillet with two forks twirled around the pasta.
Print Recipe

Vegetarian Spaghetti alla Puttanesca Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Servings:5 Servings
Calories:377kcal
Author:Traci York | Vanilla And Bean
A simple and pantry friendly vegetarian or vegan puttanesca that's easy to pull together and in minimal time. Garlic, pepper flakes and capers infuse their pungent flavors in a rich tomato sauce while Kalamata olives offer texture and more briny goodness. This spaghetti alla puttanesca is vegetarian or vegan and easily gluten free. 

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbs Olive Oil
  • 4 Plump Cloves of Garlic smashed and chopped small, I like about 2 Tbs
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes or more to taste
  • 2 Tbs Capers non pareil, drained
  • 1 C (125g) Kalamata Olives pitted and halved, 1 Tbs brine reserved
  • 1 28 oz (793g) Can of Crushed or Diced Tomatoes I like Muir Glen or San Marzano
  • 2 tsp Vegan Worcestershire Sauce gluten free if needed
  • 10 oz (285g) Pasta of Choice gluten free if needed, I like Jovial
  • Parsley or Basil for sprinkling
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese *optional, for sprinkling
  • Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Put a large pot of water on to boil. Add a big pinch of salt to the water and bring to a boil while you prepare the sauce.
  • Meanwhile, in a large 3.5 quart saute pan with high sides, add the olive oil, garlic and chili flakes over medium heat. Sizzle and saute until garlic releases its fragrance and is softened but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. It can burn easily so adjust the heat down as needed.
  • Stir in the capers and olives, and saute for about 1-2 minutes on medium low heat, or just until the garlic is lightly golden and the flavors have a moment to marry.
  • To the olive mixture, pour in the tomatoes, reserved olive brine and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer on medium to medium low heat for about 15-20 minutes adding a few tablespoons of pasta water to loosen the sauce, if desired. It will thicken as it cooks.
  • While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions or until al dente. Drain the pasta while reserving a small cup of pasta water.
  • Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta. Add a few generous grinds of fresh ground pepper and taste for salt (I add a heavy pinch in this recipe).
    Serve with more fresh ground black pepper, fresh parsley or basil and parmesan if using.
  • Store in a lidded container, in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Notes

*Regarding Parmesan: Look for vegetarian friendly Parmesan cheese (one that does not use rennet in production). BelGioioso, Organic Valley and Stella offers vegetarian friendly Parm. For more information, check directly with your preferred cheese maker.
Recipe adapted from Divina Kalamata Olive Recipes. 
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 917mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 1mg
Made It? Leave a comment below! The most helpful comment may include recipe rating, feedback, any modifications and/or helping other commenters. On Instagram? Take a snap of your make and share, tagging @VanillaAndBean #VanillaAndBean!

You might also like:

Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili in a bowl with a spoon in it ready to eat.

Pumpkin Chili

Taking a serving of the Asian Pasta Salad with two serving spoons.

Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad with Cashews

A plate of food on a table, with Pasta and kale with breadcrumbs.

Orecchiette with Garlicky Kale and Breadcrumbs

Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce from Scratch in a Mason jar.

Fresh Marinara Walnut Sauce

Shares1.6kPinShareYummly

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive free sweet and savory vegetarian recipes, and get my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox!

You will receive recipes and kitchen tips, along with information about our partners and offerings. For more details, review the Vanilla And Bean privacy policy.
Previous Post: « Citrus Ginger Green Smoothie with Mint
Next Post: Soft Sourdough Rolls »

Primary Sidebar

well hello!

I’m Traci and this is my blog. So Glad You Stopped By!

Here you’ll find full of flavor vegetarian comfort food with vegan and gluten free recipes too. I also share sourdough, sweets and naturally sweetened baked goods and desserts recipes because we all gotta have a little balance!

Learn More About Traci  or  The Blog.

Get on the List!

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive Sweet and Savory Vegetarian Recipes, and get my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox!

Right this Way to Subscribe

Start Here!

Why vegetarian, what you’ll find on Vanilla And Bean and fan favorites all right here!

Right this Way to Start

Footer

Affiliate Info

Vanilla And Bean is monetized in part through the use of affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and/or purchase an item after clicking on a link, Vanilla And Bean may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use through my affiliate links. To learn more please see my Affiliate Policy. Thank you for your support!

© Vanilla And Bean, LLC  – 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any content or images without express and written permission from this blog’s owner is prohibited. Licensing inquiries for publication, general distribution, and/or commercial use, please contact me on my contact page.

Copyright © 2023 · Vanilla and Bean · Website by Meyne

Menu

Home · Recipes · Contact · Privacy Policy
Terms of Use · Accessibility · California Privacy Notice

Copyright © 2023 · Vanilla and Bean On Genesis Framework · Log in

Get On The List!
Get On The List!
_____________________

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive sweet and savory vegetarian recipes, as well as my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox.

You will receive recipes and kitchen tips, along with information about our partners and offerings. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.
  • Recipes
    ▼
    • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
      ▼
      • Sweet Breads
      • Savory Breads
    • Seasonal Recipes
      ▼
      • Fall
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Sourdough
      ▼
      • Sourdough Discard Recipes
      • Gluten Free Sourdough
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegetarian
    • Condiment Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
      ▼
      • Cocktails
      • Non Alcoholic
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Sign Up For Weekly Newsletter!
  • Start Here
  • Home
  • Shop
  • About
    ▼
    • Contact
    • A little bit about me…
    • Let’s Work Together
    • Blogs I’m Reading
    • Blogger Resources
Vanilla And Bean and our partners use cookies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic on our website. By using the Site, you consent to the use of cookies. Learn More

COOKIE SETTINGS   ACCEPT
Cookie Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
__cfduid14 weeksThe cookie is set by CloudFare. The cookie is used to identify individual clients behind a shared IP address d apply security settings on a per-client basis. It doesnot correspond to any user ID in the web application and does not store any personally identifiable information.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary011 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary011 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
OptanonConsent01 yearTracks users cookie consent preferences
viewed_cookie_policy011 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Advertisement
CookieTypeDurationDescription
IDE12 yearsUsed by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE15 monthsThis cookie is set by Youtube. Used to track the information of the embedded YouTube videos on a website.
Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
_ga02 yearsThis cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid01 dayThis cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id16 monthsProvided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
GPS030 minutesThis cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
_gat01 minuteThis cookies is installed by Google Universal Analytics to throttle the request rate to limit the colllection of data on high traffic sites.
YSC1This cookies is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos.
YTCpersistent10 minutesThis cookie is set by Youtube to manage the embed and viewing of videos