Save A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring flaky canned tuna, briny olives, and tangy capers in a savory tomato sauce.
I love making this pasta when I want something flavorful but don&t have much time. It always reminds me of family dinners on summer evenings, and the briny olives and capers make every bite pop.
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
- Crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz) canned
- Tuna in olive oil: 160 g (5.5 oz) canned, 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 (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook 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.
- Prepare sauce base:
- 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.
- Simmer tomatoes:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add tuna and olives:
- Add tuna, olives, and capers to the sauce. Gently heat through for 2–3 minutes, being careful not to break up the tuna too much.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- 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.
- Garnish and serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with remaining parsley and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save My children always ask for seconds of this dish, and even picky eaters love the savory tomato sauce. It's become a staple for our family pasta nights.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
This pasta goes wonderfully with a crisp green salad and slices of crusty bread. For drinks, pair with white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Allergen & Dietary Notes
This recipe contains wheat (gluten) and fish. Use gluten-free pasta for a fully gluten-free meal, and always check product labels for cross-contamination issues.
Required Kitchen Tools
You'll need a large pot, colander, large skillet, wooden spoon, and chef's knife with chopping board to prepare this recipe.
Save Enjoy this vibrant pasta as a quick dinner or elegant lunch. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal as they hold the sauce well and provide a classic texture for Mediterranean-style dishes.
- → Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
While fresh tuna can be used, canned tuna in olive oil adds a tender texture and depth of flavor, complementing the olives and capers.
- → How can I adjust the heat in this dish?
Red pepper flakes are optional and can be added or omitted to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
- → Are there alternatives to black olives for this recipe?
Green olives can be substituted to introduce a different, slightly sharper flavor profile without altering the dish significantly.
- → What is the purpose of reserving pasta water?
Adding a splash of reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce, ensuring it coats the pasta evenly while maintaining a smooth consistency.