Fish Puttanesca the Weeknight Wonder

Quick Fish Puttanesca The Modern Weeknight Winner

By Laura TideSeptember 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Fish Puttanesca | The Modern: Your New Weeknight Hero

Ever have one of those evenings? You know, where dinner needs to be quick, easy, and bursting with flavour? Well, my friend, you've just struck gold.

This Fish Puttanesca | The Modern is about to become your new best mate in the kitchen. It’s a seriously tasty fish tomato recipe that’s ready faster than you can say "Bob's your uncle!"

Puttanesca, Eh? A Bit of History

Puttanesca sauce hails from sunny Naples. It’s traditionally served with pasta, but why not chuck it on some flaky white fish? It's a simple, rustic dish with bold flavors.

This version is super easy. It takes about 35 minutes , start to finish, and serves 4 people . Trust me, even someone who couldn't boil an egg can manage this easy Italian fish recipes .

Why You'll Flip for This Fish Tomato Recipe

Honestly, this recipe is a game changer. The sauce is packed with antioxidants from the tomatoes and Mediterranean fish recipes . Plus, white fish is a great source of lean protein, so you can feel good about what you're eating.

It's brilliant for a quick weeknight fish puttanesca dinner, or even a relaxed weekend lunch. But the best part? It’s dead easy.

I messed it up the first time when I added too many chilli flakes!.

Ready to whip up this awesome Puttanesca fish recipe ? Let's get to it.

Fish Puttanesca | The Modern: Getting Started

Right then, let's talk ingredients and equipment for Fish Puttanesca | The Modern . Honestly, it's easier than fitting into your skinny jeans after Christmas! This Easy Italian fish recipe is proper simple.

Main Ingredients Sorted

First, the sauce! You'll need 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil. Get the good stuff, it makes a difference. Fry 4 cloves (12g) of minced garlic with 2 (6g) chopped anchovy fillets.

A half teaspoon (1g) of red pepper flakes gives it a lovely kick. One 28 ounce (794g) tin of crushed tomatoes is key.

Toss in a 1/2 cup (75g) of halved Kalamata olives, and a 1/4 cup (38g) of drained capers. Finally, mix in 1 tablespoon (15g) of tomato paste and 1 teaspoon (2g) of dried oregano.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Now, the fish! Four (170g each) pieces of white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut, each around 1 inch thick will do nicely.

These Mediterranean fish recipes are super tasty. Another 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil for frying. More salt and pepper for seasoning.

Make sure that white fish has a lovely shine to it, and it doesn't smell too fishy.

Seasoning Notes: It's All About That Flavour!

Anchovies might sound scary, but trust me! They melt into the sauce for this Fish Tomato Sauce recipe and add a serious umami punch.

This is one of the most important secrets when we want some great recipes with anchovies . Red pepper flakes add heat, so go easy if you're not a spice fiend.

Fresh parsley brightens everything up, so don't skip it. A little squeeze of lemon at the end is delightful.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You'll need a large skillet with a lid. If you don't have a lid, a baking sheet will do as a cover.

Chopping board, knife, measuring spoons and cups. Tongs or a spatula for flipping the fish. Nothing fancy required, this is a Quick fish dinner recipe .

I bet you have all of this in the cupboard!

Fish Puttanesca | The Modern: Quick, Easy, and Packed with Flavour!

Fancy a bit of Mediterranean magic on your dinner plate? I've got just the ticket Fish Puttanesca | The Modern .

Forget boring old recipes with anchovies and say hello to a flavour explosion. This easy Italian fish recipe is so simple, it's practically foolproof.

Trust me, even I can't mess it up, and I've had a few kitchen disasters in my time. I promise, it'll become one of your go-to quick fish dinner recipes .

Prep Steps: Ready, Steady, Cook!

Right then, let's get this show on the road. First, essential mise en place . Chop your garlic (4 cloves), get your anchovies (2 fillets) finely chopped, and measure out all your ingredients.

Time saving tip: Do this before you even turn on the hob. Organisation is key! Most importantly: Do not start cooking until you have checked that there are no risks while cooking.

Making Your Puttanesca fish recipe : step-by-step

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big pan over medium heat.
Chuck in the garlic and anchovies. Cook for about 1 minute , until they smell amazing, and the anchovies melt away.
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of a kick), 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes , 1/2 cup of olives , 1/4 cup of capers , 1 tablespoon of tomato paste , and 1 teaspoon of oregano . Season well.
Let it all simmer for 15 minutes , stirring now and then. This lets all those lovely Fish Tomato Sauce Recipe flavours meld together.
While the sauce simmers, season your fish (4 6 ounce white fish fillets) with salt and pepper.
Either: sear your fish in a pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 2- 3 minutes per side . Or: Nestle the fish into the sauce. Cover and cook for 5- 7 minutes . Fish should flake easily.
Stir 1/4 cup parsley into the sauce and spoon over the fish.

White fish puttanesca Pro Tips:

Don't be shy with the anchovies, Honestly! They are a game changer , dissolving into the sauce and giving it that lovely umami depth.

Also, don't overcook the fish. Nobody wants rubbery fish, you know? It should flake easily, reaching an internal temperature of 145° F/ 63° C .

This Fish Tomato Recipe is a great one to make-ahead of time too. The sauce actually gets better the longer it sits.

Just cook the fish fresh when you're ready to eat. There you have it a super simple, super tasty weeknight fish puttanesca ready in a flash.

Enjoy!.

Recipe Notes for Your Fish Puttanesca | The Modern

Alright, you've got the recipe for this smashing Fish Puttanesca | The Modern , but let’s chat about a few extra bits and bobs to make it your own, shall we? This is not just any Fish Tomato Recipe , this is an experience!.

Serving like a Pro: Plating and Presentation

Honestly, this Puttanesca fish recipe looks dead posh just spooned over the fish. But if you want to be a bit fancy, try arranging the fish nicely on the plate, then spooning the sauce over it.

Garnish with a bit more fresh parsley. Maybe add a lemon wedge for a pop of colour. You know? A bit of crusty bread on the side is essential.

Trust me, you'll want to mop up every last bit of that gorgeous sauce. A glass of crisp white wine makes it feel like a proper Mediterranean treat.

Storing Leftovers: A Guide

Got leftovers? Lucky you! The Fish Tomato Sauce Recipe keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It will be fine for up to 3 days . For freezing, it is best to only freeze the sauce. The fish will become mushy upon reheating.

To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a pan. Reheat the fish separately, as needed. If you do need to reheat the fish, it's best to do it gently in a pan or in the oven at a low temperature ( around 275° F/ 135° C ) to prevent it from drying out.

Variations: Your Way!

Want to mix things up? You can make this a Mediterranean fish recipes .

For a gluten-free version, just make sure you're using gluten-free condiments and serve it with cauliflower rice instead of bread. Easy peasy!
Want to swap ingredients? Use prawns instead of white fish. Just adjust the cooking time. They cook much quicker. Maybe try adding some courgette or aubergine to the sauce for extra veggies. You can also make it a Weeknight fish puttanesca using canned salmon or tuna.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

This Easy Italian fish recipes is packed with goodness. You're getting a decent dose of protein from the fish, healthy fats from the olive oil, and loads of vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes, olives, and capers.

Plus, it's relatively low in carbs, making it a great option if you're watching your intake. It is also a great Quick fish dinner recipes .

This White fish puttanesca dish is a winner. You can be creative. And have fun! You have everything to start cooking Italian Fish Dishes

Give it a go, and don't be afraid to experiment! Happy cooking, love!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of fish works best for Fish Puttanesca | The Modern, and can I use frozen fish?

Flaky white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut are excellent choices for Fish Puttanesca. They cook quickly and absorb the flavour of the sauce beautifully. You can use frozen fish, just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure it sears properly and doesn't water down the sauce.

No one wants a soggy bottom, eh?

I'm not a fan of anchovies. Are they really necessary in this Fish Puttanesca recipe?

While anchovies are traditional to Puttanesca sauce and add a wonderful savoury depth, you can absolutely omit them if you're not a fan. The anchovies dissolve into the sauce and add a savoury depth of flavour without making it taste "fishy".

A splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of extra red pepper flakes can help mimic some of that umami flavour. Consider it like swapping out Marmite for Bovril, you might lose a bit of something, but it can still work!

Can I make Fish Puttanesca | The Modern ahead of time, and how should I store leftovers?

You can prepare the Puttanesca sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, simply cook the fish and add it to the heated sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Bear in mind that reheated fish might not be quite as perfect texture wise, so it's best enjoyed fresh if you can!

How can I add a bit more "oomph" to my Fish Puttanesca dish?

Fancy jazzing it up a bit? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh basil at the end can really brighten the flavours of Fish Puttanesca. For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chilli. Some people even like to add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce while it simmers.

Consider this like adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce to your gravy - a touch of genius!

Is Fish Puttanesca | The Modern a healthy meal option? What are the nutritional benefits?

Yes, Fish Puttanesca can be a very healthy meal! It's packed with lean protein from the fish, vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes and vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil. Just be mindful of the sodium content, which can be high due to the olives and capers.

Serve it with a side of steamed greens for an extra nutritional boost, it's practically a superfood extravaganza!

I'm trying to reduce sodium in my diet. Are there any substitutions I can make in this Fish Puttanesca recipe?

Absolutely! You can significantly reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium crushed tomatoes, rinsing the capers and olives before adding them, or even using fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Also, avoid adding extra salt to the sauce until you've tasted it, as the olives and capers can be quite salty on their own.

Using fresh herbs instead of dried ones also boosts the flavor without adding sodium. It's all about being a clever cook, innit?