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Fish Puttanesca Recipe

4.4 from 130 reviews

Fish Puttanesca is a vibrant Italian-inspired dish featuring tender white fish cooked in a rich, savory sauce made from garlic, anchovies, tomatoes, olives, and capers. This recipe is oven-baked to perfection, delivering a fragrant and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce and Fish

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
  • 6 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 3 anchovy fillets
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine, such as sauvignon blanc
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ cup black or Castelvetrano olives (about 15 to 20), halved and pitted
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • pounds white fish, such as cod, halibut, or tilapia, skin removed, cut into 4 equal pieces
  • ¾ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or flat leaf parsley (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)
  • Garlic bread, store-bought or homemade, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the center to ensure even cooking of the fish in the skillet.
  2. Cook anchovies: In a large ovenproof skillet or braising pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter starts bubbling, add the chopped garlic and anchovy fillets. Stir continuously, breaking up the anchovies, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Simmer the sauce: Pour in the dry white wine and let it cook until it slightly reduces, about 4 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens. Stir in the halved olives and drained capers to finish the sauce.
  4. Cook the fish: Season the white fish pieces evenly with the sea salt. Nestle the fish into the tomato sauce within the skillet. Transfer the entire skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
  5. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Divide the fish portions among four plates, spoon the puttanesca sauce generously over each piece, and garnish with chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley if desired. For added heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Serve alongside garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes as they are sweet and less acidic, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chili oil before serving.
  • The recipe works well with various firm white fish such as cod, halibut, or tilapia. Ensure fish is fresh for optimal taste and texture.
  • To make it gluten-free, pair with gluten-free garlic bread or serve without bread.

Keywords: Fish Puttanesca, Italian fish recipe, baked fish, puttanesca sauce, white fish dinner, easy fish recipe