Pizza Puttanesca

Can you think of any food more perfect than pizza? It’s the ultimate crowd pleaser, family friendly treat, and gathering food. This Pizza Puttanesca combines a handful of pantry staples into the pizza version of an Italian classic, built on a puttanesca sauce you’ll want to make again and again.

I could eat pizza everyday. The endless combinations of flavors and the way the crust is a canvas that inspires creativity lends itself to having fun and trying new flavors there’s nothing quite like making your own pizza at home. When I saw the line of Mutti sauces for pizza, I was instantly transported to Italy.

That’s Amore (Pizza Puttanesca)

There is a reason Mutti is Italy’s number one tomato brand. Form the moment you open a jar or can, you can see the vibrant crimson color, taste the true natural sweet flavor of a just picked tomato, and smell the aromatic perfume. Starting with good quality tomato sauce makes all the difference here.The moment I opened the jar of Mutti Napoli Pizza Sauce, I knew I was going to make Pizza Puttanesca.

It was natural to combine Mutti Napoli Pizza Sauce with the flavors of puttanesca. The 100% sun ripened Italian tomatoes and fresh sweet basil that are the trademark of Neapolitan pizza pair perfectly with the pasta puttanesca dish born in Naples.

Spaghetti alla puttanesca is about the balance of those beautifully sweet Italian tomatoes, bright pop of capers, salty briny punch of olives, and rich taste of the sea from anchovies. In this recipe the pasta is being replaced with pizza crust.

Using a pantry staple like Mutti pizza sauce makes this recipe come together quickly and easily. In addition to the pizza sauce I’m using other pantry staples like kalamata olives and anchovies. I love that Mutti products allow me to create easy and elegant weeknight recipes such as this. I also love knowing that when I use one of their products they’re a company committed to sustainability.

Ingredients

Pizza Puttanesca comes together with a short list of bold, pantry-friendly ingredients the key is starting with good quality versions of each.

• Pizza Dough – Homemade or store bought both work well. Just let it come to room temperature before stretching.
• Puttanesca Sauce – This recipe leans on Mutti Napoli Pizza Sauce as the base, seasoned to bring out those classic puttanesca sauce flavors of tomato, garlic, and a little heat.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded and melty, it ties all the briny toppings together.
• Garlic – Thinly sliced so it softens and turns fragrant as it bakes.
• Anchovy Fillets – The salty, savory backbone of any true puttanesca.
• Capers – A bright, briny pop in every bite.
• Kalamata Olives – Rich and salty, they’re essential to the dish’s signature flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes – For a subtle kick of heat.
• Olive Oil – Use extra-virgin olive oil for brushing the crust — it adds flavor and helps the edges turn golden and crisp.
• Fresh Basil & Parsley – A finishing sprinkle of parsley or basil adds freshness and color right before serving.
• Dried Oregano & Parmigiano-Reggiano – The classic finishing touches for garnish.

Flipping Over Pizza Puttanesca

Skip the take out and delivery. This recipe is just as easy as it’s delicious. With a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand, I will walk you through each step of Pizza Puttanesca.

• When it comes to your pizza dough, you can use either homemade or store bought. Always let it rest and come to room temp. This will allow you to stretch the crust easily.

• For the ultimate crispy crust I love using a cast iron skillet to bake my pizza in. Preheat your cast iron skillet in your oven. This will give you that crispy bottom and soft interior.
• Brush the crust edge with extra-virgin olive oil before baking for the best flavor and color.
• Preheat your oven at the highest temperature, 500-520 degrees. This allows you to create a pizza oven like experience at home.
• While I am giving measurements for the toppings, feel free to add a little more of anything you love. If you adore olives, add a few more kalamatas. Anchovies are your favorite? Top with an extra fillet or two. Have fun with your pizza!
• To let the flavors marry and make cutting your pizza easier, allow the pizza to cool for several minutes on a cutting board before cutting and serving.
• Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Variations & Tips

If you want to lighten up the sauce or add extra freshness, try scattering a handful of halved cherry tomatoes over the pizza before it bakes they soften into little bursts of sweetness that play well with the briny olives and anchovies. You can also warm a spoonful of the puttanesca sauce with a splash of extra-virgin olive oil in a small pan over medium heat with a teaspoon of the garlic and chili flakes before spreading it on the dough, which deepens the flavor if you have a few extra minutes.

Are you looking for more easy weeknight recipes? Make sure you check out my recipe for The Ultimate Chicken Paprikash.