Spaghetti alla puttanesca or spaghetti in the style of the prostitute is from the Campania region of Italy. The biggest city in the region is Naples, home to pizza, and a place which we were planning to visit towards the end of our trip. The Campania region is at the front of the ankle on Italy’s boot.

Spaghetti alla puttanesca is salty and spicy  (maybe that is where the name came from?) and very quick and easy to make. The sauce is basically a can of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes. You can make the sauce in the time it takes to boil the water and cook the spaghetti. We finished ours with good olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese. (Omit cheese for vegan recipe) Mangia!

Spaghetti alla puttanesca