Tuna Tomato Pasta
A quick, flavorful, and comforting weeknight pasta dish made with pantry staples like canned tuna and ripe tomatoes.
Ingredients
- •1 lb spaghetti or penne pasta (450g)
- •2 cans good quality tuna in olive oil (approx. 5-6 oz each), drained
- •2 cans crushed tomatoes (14 oz each)
- •3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- •1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- •1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- •Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- •Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- 5
Flake the drained tuna into the simmering tomato sauce and stir gently, cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.
- 6
Reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- 7
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tuna tomato sauce, tossing well to coat every strand.
- 8
Stir in the chopped parsley and a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- 9
Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
💡 Chef tips
- Use tuna packed in olive oil rather than water for a richer and much more flavorful sauce.
- Always save some pasta water before draining; the starches help the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and reheat gently with a splash of water.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should feature perfectly al dente pasta coated in a vibrant, savory tomato sauce infused with garlic and tender flakes of tuna, smelling irresistibly fresh and aromatic.