Pasta Puttanesca

By Rena Awada | Updated On December 23, 2023

This Classic Pasta Puttanesca recipe is made with added chicken and it is to die for! Packed with flavor, it is made with olives, capers, whole wheat pasta, and sautéed chicken. Easy to make pasta dinner recipe that the whole family can enjoy.

tomato-based pasta in a skillet made with penne pasta and kalamata olives


This  Pasta Puttanesca recipe is a simple pasta dish that is tomato-based and it is super delicious. It is a quick and easy recipe to put together with flavors that are combined to make this pasta puttanesca an ideal meal to make your family weekly. Made with lean chicken breast, whole wheat pasta, marinara sauce, garlic, olives, and capers.

You can make this recipe with other proteins like shrimp if you prefer. If you make   If you are looking for a puttanesca recipe dish without pasta, then check out my Chicken Puttanesca Skillet recipe.

Why you should make this recipe

  • Perfect family meal: The whole family will love this pasta. It is tasty and the kids will love it.
  • Tasty: This pasta puttanesca is seriously so comforting and delicious. It will keep you full and happy.
  • Meal prep Friendly: If you meal prep and want to add some pasta into your meals for a change then this recipe will be perfect.
spoon in a pan with Chicken Pasta Puttanesca with kalamata olives and capers

Ingredients you will need

  • Olive oil or Ghee: you can use any other oil of your choice.
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: prefer boneless and skinless chicken thighs? you can use that instead. Just trim out some of the fats from the chicken thighs.
  • Diced onion: use white sweet cooking onions.
  • Minced garlic: do use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder.
  • Halved kalamata olives: or another olive of your choice, but kalamata works best.
  • Capers: this ingredient gives a delicious added tart flavor, but if it is going to get picked out, then skip it.
  • Whole wheat penne pasta: any other pasta of your choice will work
  • Marinara sauce: you can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
  • Parsley: this ingredient is used for garnishing and can be optional
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste

HOW TO MAKE PASTA PUTTANESCA

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the pan.
  • Add the onion to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add the olives, capers, and marinara sauce to the pan and bring to a simmer.
  • Drain the pasta and add it to the chicken mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
skillet with red colored tomato pasta of Chicken Pasta Puttanesca

frequently asked questions

What is pasta puttanesca?

It is an Italian pasta dish that is said to have originally been invented in Naples. The main ingredients of a puttanesca include tomatoes, olive oil, anchovies, olives, capers, and garlic.

What is puttanesca sauce made out of?

puttanesca sauce is made out of a garlicky tomato sauce, which can be canned, olive oil, anchovies, olives, capers, and garlic.

How long does puttanesca sauce last?

Have some leftover sauce? Store the sauce in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You may also freeze for up to 4 months.

square image of tomato penne pasta with chicken kalamata olives and capers

Recipe notes and tips

  • We used lean chicken breast to keep the calories low for this pasta puttanesca recipe, but if you prefer using chicken thighs, do so. But we recommend trimming out some of the fat.
  • Want to use lentil or chickpea pasta? you can. Follow the package directions to cook the pasta the right way.
  • Don’t like chicken? Skip it and keep this dish vegetarian or add another protein of your choice.
  • Capers are optional if you do not like capers.
  • Do not overcook the pasta. It is always recommended to cook the pasta al dente because pasta continues to cook even after you remove it from the hot water and drain it.

Storing and reheating

  • To Store: If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat your leftovers in the microwave for 60-90 seconds. If it is frozen, it will take longer to thaw and get heated through.
side view of a skillet with Chicken Pasta Puttanesca topped with chopped parsley

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spoon in a pan with Chicken Pasta Puttanesca with kalamata olives and capers

Pasta Puttanesca Recipe

Classic pasta puttanesca with added sauteed chicken breast, marinara sauce, garlic, olives, capers, whole wheat pasta, and onions. Ready in under 30 minutes.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Low Fat
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 374kcal
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp Olive oil or Ghee
  • 3/4 Pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ Cup Diced onion
  • 1 Tsp Minced garlic
  • 1/3 Cup Halved kalamata olives
  • 2 Tbsp Capers
  • 8 ounces Whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2 Cups Marinara sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the pasta according to package directions.
  • While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the pan.
  • Add the onion to the pan.
  • Cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add the olives, capers and marinara sauce to the pan and bring to a simmer.
  • Drain the pasta and add it to the chicken mixture; toss to coat.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Video

Notes

  • use any pasta of your choice
  • avocado oil will also work
  • if you prefer to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast, you can go right ahead
  • Don’t like chicken? swap it with shrimp
  • Consider adding some shredded parmesan cheese at the end.

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1036mg | Potassium: 758mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 680IU | Vitamin C: 12.4mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1.7mg
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