What Is Puttanesca Sauce?
A piquant, savory Italian pasta sauce made with tomatoes, black olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and chili flakes.
What Does Puttanesca Sauce Taste Like?
Puttanesca Sauce has a salty, savory, umami, piquant, spicy, tangy taste with pungent, garlicky, briny, aromatic aromas.
- Taste
- Salty, Savory, Umami, Piquant, Spicy, Tangy
- Texture
- Chunky (tomatoes, olives), oily, thick
- Aroma
- Pungent, Garlicky, Briny, Aromatic
- Acidity
- Medium-High
Technical Metrics
Nutrition Facts
Per 1/2 cup (125g)Chef’s Secret
Bloom the anchovies and garlic in olive oil at the start to create a flavorful base that permeates the entire sauce.
Puttanesca Sauce Substitutes & Ratios
The best substitute for Puttanesca Sauce is Arrabbiata Sauce, used at a 1:1 ratio. Similar spicy tomato base, but lacks the briny, umami depth of olives, capers, and anchovies.
| Substitute | Ratio | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Arrabbiata Sauce Best | 1:1 | Similar spicy tomato base, but lacks the briny, umami depth of olives, capers, and anchovies. |
| Marinara Sauce + Olives + Capers + Garlic | 1:1 (plus additions) | Builds a similar flavor profile, but you'll need to add ingredients for depth. |
| Tomato-Olive Tapenade (diluted) | Varies | Can provide the briny olive flavor, but typically much thicker and saltier. |
| Basic Tomato Sauce + Chili Flakes | 1:1 | Simplest substitute for a red sauce base, but misses the key piquant elements. |
How to Choose & Store Puttanesca Sauce
- Check ingredient list for quality tomatoes, olives, and capers.
- Some brands omit anchovies for a vegetarian version.
- Look for low sodium options.
What Pairs Well With Puttanesca Sauce?
- Spaghetti
- Linguine
- Penne
- Fish
- Chicken
- Crusty Bread
- Red Wine
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Puttanesca Sauce taste like?
Salty, Savory, Umami, Piquant, Spicy, Tangy Pungent, Garlicky, Briny, Aromatic
What is a good substitute for Puttanesca Sauce?
The best substitute is Arrabbiata Sauce (1:1). Similar spicy tomato base, but lacks the briny, umami depth of olives, capers, and anchovies.
How do you choose and store Puttanesca Sauce?
Check ingredient list for quality tomatoes, olives, and capers. Some brands omit anchovies for a vegetarian version. Look for low sodium options.