Name: 20-Minute Vegan Pasta Puttanesca
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti or linguine (or pasta of choice); 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 can (14 oz) diced or crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 2 tbsp capers, drained; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. It uses simple, shelf-stable ingredients that you likely already have on hand, yet delivers a complex, umami-rich taste. It’s naturally vegan, easy to customize, and perfect for anyone craving Italian comfort food without the hassle.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

spaghetti or linguine (or other pasta of choice)
olive oil
garlic
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
black olives (preferably Kalamata), pitted and sliced
capers
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley (for garnish)
nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the canned tomatoes, olives, and capers. Simmer the sauce for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes to let the flavors combine.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and nutritional yeast if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 2 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Mix in cooked chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost.
Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Go spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
Top it off: Add vegan parmesan or toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it holds up well for meal prep.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but canned tomatoes provide a richer flavor and quicker cook time. Fresh tomatoes may need longer to break down.

Is this dish traditionally vegan?

Traditional puttanesca often includes anchovies. This vegan version replaces that umami flavor with capers and olives.

What type of olives work best?

Kalamata olives are preferred for their bold flavor, but black or green olives can also be used based on taste.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes, sauté the garlic in a splash of water or vegetable broth instead of olive oil.

What pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine all work well. Short pastas like penne or rigatoni are good options too.

Is it freezer-friendly?

It’s not ideal for freezing, as the pasta may become mushy. However, the sauce alone can be frozen and reheated with fresh pasta.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes pair well and add extra nutrition.

How do I make it creamier?

Stir in a tablespoon of tahini or a splash of non-dairy milk for a creamy variation.

What’s a good substitute for capers?

Green olives or a splash of lemon juice can add a similar briny note if you’re out of capers.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just use a larger pan and adjust seasoning as needed.

Conclusion

20-Minute Vegan Pasta Puttanesca is the perfect quick-fix meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed. With its bold, salty, garlicky taste and satisfying texture, it’s a go-to dish for vegans and non-vegans alike. Ideal for weeknight dinners, last-minute guests, or anytime you need something delicious fast, this pasta proves that simple ingredients can create truly outstanding meals.