Pasta Putanesca (Instant Pot)
Today is not a successful cooking day! There I said it! Thankfully, this Pasta Putanesca, does not disappoint! Puta in Italian refers to a whore. Or shall we say a lady of the evening. Hence this pasta is bright, with bold flavors and yet with pantry staples. The essential thought here is that these ladies made it quickly as a dinner in between customers. While, maybe not between customers, I can certainly see how this is a great working woman’s dinner.
My Pasta Putanesca Story
There is many variations to this vividly colored sauce. The common ingredients tend to be – olives, capers and anchovies. In my house, there is usually a ban on anchovies. I know, I know… they add so much flavor, but my son is allergic to them. To this dish, I have added some fish sauce, and a can of tuna both for protein and for flavor. The rest of the ingredients are not especially noteworthy.
More About the Recipe
Inspired by this version here, I add in some grape tomatoes and finish with some basil. We have vacation plans around the end of August. Somehow, I have a feeling of restlessness to go away. There is a lot of unfinished business at work. Having said this, I never really seem to have time when things are calm. Somewhere in the middle of this, I have managed to survive and even raise two kids who are now teenagers.
A part of me wonders what a calm life might be like. I know I say I will be bored, but the truth is I do not know what I will be as, it has really been a long time since tranquil. This said, I am not discontent with my lot. The essentials of life are pretty complete. If college and their dreams pan out, by most standards it will be a life well spent.
An interesting recipe along these lines that I shared with you is this Green Pasta Putanesca.
If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group. Of course Instant Indian is ready for order, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.
A gorgeous brash and full flavored pasta, this pasta putanesca is quick, flavorful and perfect for a weeknight supper.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 can of tuna in olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, but adds a lot of flavor)
- 1 and 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 6 to 8 ounces dried pasta (any favorite shape)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives
- Chopped grape tomatoes (optional)
- Chopped basil or parsley
Instructions
- Turn the instant pot onto a saute mode. Add in the olive oil and heat for a couple of minutes.
- Add in the onion and minced garlic and saute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed red pepper
- Add in the crushed red pepper and tuna with the oil and the fish sauce if using.
- Turn off the heat and add in the crushed red peppers.
- Add in the dried pasta and the salt and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook on pressure for 3 minutes.
- Release the pressure and stir well.
- Stir in the olives and capers.
- Place and serving bowls and serve garnished with chopped basil or parsley.