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One-Pan Puttanesca: A Holiday Seafood Feast Made Simple

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/18 .. tanesca-a-holiday-seafood-feast-made-simple.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 17:24 GMT by TMJ4

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One‑Pan Puttanesca: A Holiday Seafood Feast Made Simple

When the holiday season rolls around, the last thing most of us want is to spend an entire day in the kitchen. TMJ4’s recent Life‑section feature, “An Easy Holiday Seafood Recipe: One‑Pan Puttanesca,” delivers a solution that marries the comfort of a traditional Italian sauce with the convenience of a single‑pot meal. The recipe, adapted from a popular “One‑Pan Wonders” episode on the Food Network, is a crowd‑pleasing entrée that lets diners enjoy a burst of Mediterranean flavors with minimal cleanup.

The Story Behind the Sauce

The article opens with a brief look at the history of puttanesca, an Italian pasta sauce that has its roots in Rome’s bustling street‑food scene. Derived from the Italian word puttana (meaning “prostitute”), the sauce’s name is said to come from the quick and easy nature of the dish, which could be prepared in a single night by working women who needed a fast meal. TMJ4’s writer, Lisa Hartman, notes that the recipe was originally presented on the Food Network’s “One‑Pan Wonders” series, which showcases hearty dishes that can be cooked in a single skillet or saucepan.

To give the recipe a local twist, Hartman includes a link to the Toledo‑based restaurant Marrone’s Italian Bistro, where Chef Renee Loughlin’s seasonal seafood puttanesca is a regular on the holiday menu. In an interview with the chef, Loughlin explained that the “one‑pan” concept is perfect for holiday entertaining because it reduces the number of dishes that need to be washed afterward—a major win for families who want to enjoy time with loved ones instead of scrubbing pots.

Ingredients: Simple, Fresh, and Flavor‑Rich

The recipe’s ingredient list is a dream for anyone who values freshness and taste:

• Seafood: A mix of shrimp, mussels, and scallops (about 1 lb total). The article recommends using medium‑sized shrimp that can be peeled in a single hand‑move and mussels that have been rinsed and debearded.
• Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti, 12 oz. A short‑pasta is ideal because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce.
• Vegetables: 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 small red onion (thinly sliced), and 1 red chili pepper (slivered) for a subtle heat.
• Sauce base: 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
• Finishing touches: ¼ cup black olives (sliced), 2 tbsp capers, 2 anchovy fillets (finely chopped), and a handful of fresh parsley (chopped) for brightness.

The article also recommends a few optional ingredients that can be toggled depending on dietary preference: a splash of white wine for depth, or a dash of lemon zest to add a bright citrus note.

Step‑by‑Step Preparation

1. Sauté the aromatics. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and red chili, sautéing until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant—about 3–4 minutes.

2. Add the anchovy. Stir in the chopped anchovy fillets until they dissolve into the oil, releasing a subtle umami flavor that’s the backbone of puttanesca.

3. Incorporate the seafood. Add the shrimp and scallops, cooking for 2–3 minutes until they start turning pink. Then add the mussels, cover the skillet, and let the mussels steam until they open—about 5 minutes. Discard any mussels that remain closed.

4. Build the sauce. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and a pinch of sugar. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. Add pasta and olives. Push the pasta into the skillet, ensuring that it’s submerged in the liquid. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid or a bit of water. Stir in the olives and capers, cover, and let everything cook for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the mussels are fully cooked.

6. Finish and serve. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and add a final drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately, accompanied by a light side salad or crusty Italian bread to mop up the savory sauce.

The article emphasizes that the one‑pan method saves time without sacrificing flavor, and that the dish can be doubled or tripled to feed larger holiday crowds.

Holiday‑Season Tips and Pairings

To help readers elevate their holiday presentation, the feature offers a few seasonal twists:

• Cheese: Grate a modest amount of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the finished dish for an extra layer of richness.
• Herb variation: Swap parsley for fresh basil or oregano for a more robust herb profile.
• Wine pairing: The article links to a Wine Spectator feature that recommends a crisp, dry white wine—such as a Pinot Grigio or a Verdicchio—because the acidity of the sauce and the brininess of the seafood play off the wine’s bright notes.

For families who prefer a more “festive” feel, the article suggests plating the pasta in a shallow white dish, layering the seafood on top, and topping with a sprinkle of lemon zest and extra olives for visual appeal.

A Practical Solution for Holiday Entertaining

The central theme of TMJ4’s piece is practicality. The article cites local families who have adopted the one‑pan puttanesca as a staple for Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve dinners, praising its ability to bring a taste of Italy to the holiday table without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. By leveraging the “one‑pan” technique, diners can spend more time with friends and less time in the kitchen—a sentiment that resonates with the article’s target audience of busy holiday cooks.

In closing, Lisa Hartman wraps up by reminding readers that the joy of cooking isn’t measured by the number of dishes used but by the quality of the experience shared with loved ones. The one‑pan puttanesca stands as a shining example of how a simple, well‑balanced recipe can bring people together, create delicious memories, and add a splash of Mediterranean flair to any holiday celebration.