Tuna Tomato Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the richness of tuna with the freshness of ripe tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20–30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Affordable: Uses simple ingredients that are often already in your pantry.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from tuna and antioxidants from tomatoes.
- Versatile: Can be customized to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Tuna Tomato Pasta
Choose Quality Tuna: Opt for tuna packed in olive oil for maximum flavor. If you’re using water-packed tuna, drain it thoroughly and add a touch of olive oil while cooking.
Use Good-Quality Tomatoes: Canned whole San Marzano tomatoes or a flavorful marinara sauce will make your dish shine. Crush whole tomatoes by hand or blend slightly for a textured sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) as it will continue to cook when tossed with the sauce.
Season Generously: Don’t shy away from salt, pepper, and a pinch of red chili flakes to elevate the flavors.
Enhance the Flavor with Anchovies: Adding a couple of anchovy fillets when sautéing garlic adds depth to the sauce without an overwhelming fishy taste.
Recipe Variations to Try
Creamy Tuna Tomato Pasta: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone to the sauce for a rich, velvety texture.
Vegetable-Packed Version: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or peas for added nutrition and color.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red chili flakes or a teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste for heat lovers.
Mediterranean Flair: Include olives, capers, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
How to Serve Tuna Tomato Pasta
This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, but there are plenty of ways to elevate your serving presentation:
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for a final touch.
- Side Pairings: Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Wine Pairing: Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a dry rosé to complement the flavors of the dish.
How to Store and Reheat Tuna Tomato Pasta
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, to avoid uneven heating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Absolutely! Sear fresh tuna steaks, flake them into the sauce, and cook for just a couple of minutes to maintain their texture.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work wonderfully as they hold the sauce well. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also great alternatives.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How can I make this dish more filling?
Add protein-rich ingredients like white beans or chickpeas, or top with a poached egg for an extra boost of nutrients.
Is it safe to use canned tuna in pasta?
Yes, canned tuna is safe to use and adds convenience and flavor. Ensure you check the expiration date and store it properly before use.
Tuna Tomato Pasta
Tuna Tomato Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the richness of tuna with the freshness of ripe tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It's a quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried pasta (spaghetti, angel hair, or linguine work best)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 10 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 4+ anchovies (use up to a full can for a punchier flavor)
- 1/3 cup capers, roughly chopped
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1-2 cans tuna in olive oil (Cento brand is a favorite!)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (2-3 cups to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta & Warm the Sauce
- Boil your pasta until al dente and heat the marinara sauce in a small pot.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until lightly golden. Add anchovies and stir until they dissolve into the oil. Toss in chopped capers and chili flakes for a burst of flavor.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet to coat it in the garlicky mixture.
- Add marinara sauce one ladle at a time until the pasta is lightly coated.
- Gently mix in 1-2 cans of tuna, including the oil, ensuring the chunks stay intact.
- Top with fresh parsley, and enjoy this savory, tangy pasta masterpiece.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 259Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 14mgSodium 317mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 14g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Tuna Tomato Pasta recipe is proof that simplicity can be delicious. With its easy preparation and adaptable ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll turn to time and again. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a fast dinner solution, this recipe has you covered. Bon appétit!
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