Description
This Tuna Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner made with spaghetti, canned tuna, garlic, capers, fresh lemon, and Parmesan cheese. Light yet comforting, this easy pasta dish comes together in just 25 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or other long pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained
- 1 large lemon, zest and juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Add the drained tuna, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
- Stir gently and cook for about 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Add the cooked pasta, capers, and reserved pasta water to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- Oil-packed tuna provides a richer flavor, but water-packed tuna also works well.
- Reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce and prevents dryness.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Spinach, kale, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini make excellent vegetable additions.
- Capers add a briny flavor but may be omitted if preferred.
- This pasta can also be served cold like a pasta salad.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing is not recommended because the pasta texture may soften too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
