Spicy Pasta with Capers and Olives
Elevate your pasta night with this bold and flavorful Spicy Pasta with Capers and Olives recipe—a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines the richness of tomatoes, the tanginess of capers, and the briny depth of Kalamata olives. Perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti is tossed in a vibrant, spicy sauce infused with garlic and red chili flakes, delivering a satisfying kick with every bite. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbal freshness, while optional Parmesan offers a creamy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe caters to busy weeknights while offering restaurant-quality flavor. Serve this comforting entrée as a standalone star or pair it with crusty bread and a crisp salad for an unforgettable meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 count garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 100 grams kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 3 liters water for boiling pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
Instructions
Bring 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, capers, and sliced Kalamata olives. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding a little reserved pasta water at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta. Toss once more to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
368 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.8 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 12 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 2727 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.7 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.0 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.9 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 204 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 346 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
