Save A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring flaky canned tuna, briny olives, and tangy capers in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick yet flavor-packed meal any night of the week.
I first tasted a variation of tuna pasta during a trip through southern Italy, where simple ingredients created unforgettable flavors. Bringing together olives, capers, and tuna is now my favorite way to add brightness and protein to a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) dried spaghetti or linguine
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves, finely sliced
- Red Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Canned Tuna in Olive Oil: 160 g (5.5 oz), drained and flaked
- Pitted Black Olives: 80 g (1/2 cup), sliced
- Capers: 2 tbsp, rinsed and drained
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Lemon Zest: Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Tuna, Olives & Capers:
- Add tuna, olives, and capers to the sauce. Gently heat through for 2–3 minutes, careful not to break up the tuna too much.
- Toss Pasta & Garnish:
- Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen. Mix in lemon zest and half the parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining parsley and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save Sharing this tuna pasta at our family table always sparks memories of warm summer gatherings and laughter. Everyone ends up reaching for seconds!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a simple green salad and a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino for a classic Mediterranean meal.
Variations
Try swapping black olives for green, or use whole-grain pasta for extra fiber. Adding a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes can bring a deeper umami flavor.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides around 465 calories, 13 g fat, 64 g carbohydrates, and 24 g protein, making this a balanced and satisfying pescatarian option.
Save Bright flavors, quick preparation, and a satisfying finish make this pasta a vibrant addition to your weekly rotation.
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Spaghetti or linguine both pair well with the sauce, holding flavors nicely and offering a traditional Mediterranean texture.
- → Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Fresh tuna can be used, but canned tuna provides a flaky texture and convenient flavor infusion that's key to the dish.
- → How do the olives and capers influence the flavor?
The olives bring a salty, briny depth, while capers add a tangy punch, balancing the sweetness of the tomato sauce.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, substituting traditional pasta with gluten-free varieties makes it friendly for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino complements the briny and citrus notes beautifully.