Cavatelli alla Puttanesca Fresca

Puttanesca is a sauce that doesn't go unnoticed. Flavorful, spicy, and full of character, today it is prepared with seasonal cherry tomatoes and a little fresh parsley. Anchovies, olives, and capers remain the stars of this Italian classic, which is easy to recreate at home.
Ingredients
- 400g rimacinata durum wheat semolina
- 200g water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 4–6 whole anchovies in oil
- 1 pinch dried chili flakes
- Two generous handfuls of cherry tomatoes, halved
- A handful of pitted olives (ideally Gaeta or Kalamata), roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
- Parsley
Preparation
Cavatelli
- Place the semolina on the work surface, form a circle in the middle, and pour in the water.
- Gradually mix in the semolina with a fork until you obtain a smooth dough.
- Knead for 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and supple.
- Roll out the cavatelli and let dry for 20 minutes.
Sauce
- In a skillet, heat the cherry tomatoes in olive oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until they begin to burst and release their juices.
- Add the anchovy fillets and let them melt gently in the tomato juice, about 30–45 seconds.
- Add the chili flakes, then the garlic. Cook for a few seconds without letting it brown.
- Stir in the olives and capers. Taste and adjust the seasoning (be careful, the capers are already salty).
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the cavatelli until al dente (3-5 minutes, taste a piece of pasta to check).
- Transfer the cavatelli and a little cooking water directly to the pan. Mix well for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the parsley and mix.
- Serve immediately, with a drizzle of olive oil.