Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat oil and garlic in a large frying pan over low heat, cook until garlic is soft and golden, about 10 minutes.

When the water is boiling, add 2 teaspoons salt and the pasta; stir to separate pasta and cook according to package timing. Drain, saving 1 cup pasta water, and set aside.

Crush canned tomatoes by hand, and add to pan with garlic along with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, red chili flakes and remaining salt.

Simmer sauce gently over medium-low heat until sauce has reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and cooked pasta; heat until pasta is well coated in sauce. Adjust seasoning, and a garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Puttanesca pasta tips

--Remembering to reserve pasta water is key: The starchy pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and at the same time help it to stick to the noodles. If you have trouble remembering, place a measuring cup in a strainer in the sink. When you go to drain the pasta, the measuring cup will help you to remember to scoop out some pasta water before it goes down the drain.

--Use capers in wine vinegar brine. There's no need to rinse them; the vinegar brine adds to the recipe.

--If you're knife isn't sharp, sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be challenging to slice. Instead use scissors.

--You could use a full pound of linguine in this recipe, but I prefer a saucy pasta; so I've only used 1/2 pound of pasta.

--Crushing whole canned tomatoes by hand can be messy. I always seem to squirt tomato juice across the white walls of my kitchen. To save your walls, place the drained tomatoes (saving the tomato juice for another recipe) in a deep bowl in the sink, and slowly squeeze the tomatoes.

--To pit an olive, place the olive on a hard surface and squish it down with your thumb. The flesh of the olive will loosen its grip on the pit.

(Kary Osmond is a Canadian recipe developer and former television host of the popular daytime cooking show "Best Recipes Ever." Her easy recipes include helpful tips to guide you along the way, and her love of plant-based cooking offers healthy alternatives to some of your favorite dishes. Learn more at www.karyosmond.com.)