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.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, capers, and sliced Kalamata olives. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta. Toss once more to combine.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3967.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1477.7

Total Fat 91.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.4g
Cholesterol 48mg	0%
Sodium 11483.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 123.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.5g	0%
Total Sugars 16.7g
Protein 43.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 821.6mg	0%
Iron 11.3mg	0%
Potassium 1342.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.2%

Protein: 11.6%

Carbs: 33.2%