Imagine a mouthwatering pasta dish that comes together in just 25 minutes, packed with Mediterranean flavors and restaurant-quality taste. This Tuna Pasta is not just another quick meal – it's a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the Italian coastline. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a fast and satisfying meal, or someone who loves simple yet elegant dishes, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can tuna in olive oil, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing gently until garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the canned tuna and gently break it into smaller chunks using a fork. Be careful not to over-mash the fish.
- Once pasta is drained, add it directly to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the tuna chunks to the pasta, stirring carefully to distribute throughout the dish.
- If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use good quality olive oil and tuna packed in olive oil for the best flavor profile.
- Don't Overcook the Garlic: Sauté garlic gently to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold for creating a silky sauce that helps coat the pasta perfectly.
- Be Gentle with Tuna: Break the tuna into chunks, not tiny pieces, to maintain its texture.
- Season Carefully: Taste before adding salt, as canned tuna and pasta water already contain some saltiness.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh parsley if possible – it adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh, right after cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
