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Easy Tuna Pasta Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

Easy Tuna Pasta is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired dinner that combines pantry staples like canned tuna, pasta, and simple seasonings. With minimal preparation and a cooking time of just 20 minutes, this recipe delivers a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb (500g) spaghetti or any pasta shape of your choice

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 3 anchovy fillets
  • 4 tbsp capers, drained
  • Pinch chilli flakes (optional)
  • 2 cans (approximately 5oz/150g) tuna, drained
  • 3 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

To Serve

  • Parmesan cheese, for grating
  • Extra parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, anchovy fillets, and capers. Cook for about 1 minute, mashing the anchovies into the oil until fragrant.
  3. Combine Tuna and Seasonings: Stir in the drained tuna, chopped parsley, and optional chilli flakes. Add the lemon juice and zest, then season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the tuna sauce. Pour in a generous splash of the reserved pasta water and toss everything together to combine, ensuring the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
  5. Serve: Plate the pasta and finish with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce.
  • Anchovies add umami depth but can be omitted for dietary preferences.
  • Use fresh parsley and lemon zest for bright flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente for best texture.
  • Adjust chilli flakes based on your heat preference.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but recommended for added richness.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/easy-tuna-pasta-recipe/