Before I lived in Spain, I never thought of putting canned tuna in pasta. However, the Spanish think everything tastes better with olive-oil packed tuna (including guacamole!), so I learned to love this savory pasta combination.
I suggest you give it a try with this simple recipe. The tuna is tossed with a quick garlic tomato sauce and whole wheat pasta. It's a healthy and affordable meal that comes together in mere minutes, so check out the recipe and read more.
From Eating Well
Ingredients
8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 anchovies, minced (optional)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 6-ounce can chunk light tuna, drained and flaked
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
Directions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook spaghetti, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 9 to 11 minutes or according to package directions. Drain.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add anchovies (if using) and crushed red pepper and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add tomatoes, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes. Stir in tuna and cook until it is incorporated into the sauce and heated through, 2 minutes more.
- Divide the spaghetti evenly among 4 plates, top with sauce and garnish with basil. Serve hot.
Serves 4.
Print recipe with images | without images
Emporio Armani
the first time my friend suggested putting canned tuna in pasta with tomato sauce I thought it sounded DISGUSTING. I regularly do this now to add a quick and cheap protein into an equally quick and cheap meal. SO delicious. add some capers or other pickled/marinated/roasted veggies and its a treat!
1This looks really good, I will have to give it a try.
2Catipa, I was thinking the same thing! Might have to be dinner sometime very soon.
3It is more expensive but tuna from Espana is really good!
4had it last night!! delish!
5mamasitamalita, me too!
6I currently live in Italy and this is a staple here and great for when you're on the run. Usually a long thin pasta (spaghettini or linguine) with canned tuna in olive oil, a squirt of lemon juice and if you have time, some lemon rind and chopped parsley. We love it!
7Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.