Sophia Loren, the legendary Italian actress and timeless icon of glamour, wasn’t just known for her roles on the silver screen — she was also passionate about food. In her 1988 cookbook Sophia Loren’s Recipes and Memories, she shared the dishes that shaped her life, many rooted in her Neapolitan upbringing. Among them is her version of pasta alla puttanesca, a bold, briny dish that captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking. While Loren may have been falsely credited with saying “Everything you see I owe to spaghetti,” there’s no doubt she owed plenty to the comfort and tradition of Italian cuisine — and her penne alla puttanesca is a perfect example of that love.
Italian food is one of the most beloved cuisines in the United States. From lasagna at family dinners to risotto on date nights and pizza any day of the week, Americans have embraced Italian-inspired meals with open arms. But beyond the well-known favorites lies a world of lesser-known dishes that deserve just as much love — and pasta alla puttanesca is one of them.
This bold, briny pasta dish originated in Naples, in the Quartieri Spagnoli neighborhood, and has long been a favorite among those who love robust, savory flavors. It features a simple tomato-based sauce brought to life with garlic, anchovies, capers, and black olives. The combination is salty, punchy, and balanced by the pasta’s neutral base, typically spaghetti or penne. Best of all, it comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
The dish also has a touch of Hollywood history. In 1988, legendary Italian actress Sophia Loren shared her take on the recipe in her cookbook Sophia Loren’s Recipes and Memories. Known for her Academy Award-winning performance in Two Women and iconic roles in Marriage Italian Style and Houseboat, Loren also had a lifelong passion for food. Her version of the dish, penne alla puttanesca, is rustic and deeply flavorful, just like the actress herself.
In her recipe, Loren suggests using a mortar and pestle to blend garlic and anchovies before sautéing them with oil and butter, then adding tomatoes, olives, and capers. It’s a timeless and unfussy dish, one that captures the essence of Italian home cooking: simple ingredients, big flavors, and a personal touch.
Pasta alla puttanesca may not be as famous in American kitchens as lasagna or fettuccine Alfredo, but it’s a dish worth discovering. Thanks to Sophia Loren, we have an unforgettable version straight from Italy – and the silver screen.
