Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick yet delicious meal, this tuna pasta is the perfect choice. Combining the richness of tuna with the zest of lemon and a variety of savory ingredients, it’s a simple dish that packs a flavorful punch. Whether you’re preparing dinner for yourself or for guests, this recipe is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 200g / 7oz spaghetti or other thin long pasta
– 1 tbsp cooking salt (for cooking pasta)
Tuna Sauce:
– 285g / 10 oz canned tuna in oil, drained, oil reserved
– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 2 anchovy fillets, minced (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
– 1/2 tsp chili flakes/red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tsp baby capers (or finely chopped pickles)
– 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped (optional)
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 2 tbsp lemon juice (or 1 tbsp apple cider or sherry vinegar)
– 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-3 people
Enjoy this delightful tuna pasta dish that balances savory and tangy flavors, making it a meal you’ll want to make again and again! Serve immediately or reheat with a splash of reserved pasta water for a quick lunch or dinner.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook Pasta
Bring 3 liters/quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Cook the spaghetti or other thin long pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute to ensure it remains al dente. Just before draining, reserve approximately 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, heat the reserved oil from the drained tuna cans over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic, minced anchovy fillets (or anchovy paste), and optional chili flakes. Cook while stirring for 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta back to the pot along with the baby capers (or finely chopped pickles) and 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Use two spatulas to toss the ingredients together for approximately 2 minutes. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add Tuna and Seasonings
Turn off the heat. Gently fold in the drained tuna, chopped parsley (if using), lemon zest, lemon juice (or vinegar), cooking/kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss the ingredients carefully to combine, making sure to keep some tuna chunks intact for texture.
Serve
Serve the dish immediately while it’s warm. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Storage and Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated if necessary. To reheat, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help revive the sauce’s consistency.
Optional Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your spice preference, or substitute with other herbs such as basil or dill in place of parsley for different flavor profiles.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add salt before adding your pasta. This helps to season the pasta as it cooks and prevents it from sticking together.
Sautéing Aromatics
Heat oil over medium heat and add minced ingredients like garlic and anchovies. Cook until fragrant to enhance their flavors before adding the main ingredients.
Combining Ingredients
When combining the pasta and sauce, use two spatulas to toss gently. This method allows for even coating without breaking the pasta or tuna chunks.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency
Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency after mixing. It helps to incorporate the flavors and allows the sauce to cling to the pasta better.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried pasta?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as fresh pasta cooks more quickly than dried.
What can I substitute for anchovies?
You can use soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a different flavor profile, though it won’t replicate the exact taste.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta cooking water?
Yes, reserving pasta water is great for adjusting the sauce consistency, making it creamier and helping the sauce to adhere to the pasta.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the anchovies and tuna, and substitute with vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of reserved pasta water to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
This tuna pasta dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring the richness of tuna and the zesty brightness of lemon. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. The use of simple ingredients allows for a quick dinner option while still delivering a gourmet touch.
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