Recipe Title: Spaghetti al Tonno – A Simple Yet Flavorful Tuna Pasta
Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 320g |
| Canned Tuna in Olive Oil | 150g |
| Canned Peeled Tomatoes | 400g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | q.b. (to taste) |
| Salt | q.b. (to taste) |
| Ground Black Pepper | q.b. (to taste) |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | q.b. (to taste) |
| Yellow Onion | ½ (sliced thinly) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Water for the Pasta
Begin by filling a large pot with water and placing it on the stove. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is bubbling vigorously, add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season it for the pasta. This will not only help the pasta cook but will also enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Tuna and Onion
While the water is heating up, open the can of tuna and drain off any excess oil or liquid. Set it aside. Peel and slice the yellow onion into thin, delicate rings, ready for cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Onion and Sauté the Tuna
Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and pour in a small amount of extra virgin olive oil. Allow the oil to warm up before adding the sliced onions. Let them cook slowly in the oil, stirring occasionally until they soften and become translucent—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Once the onions have softened, gently break up the tuna with your fingers and add it to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the tuna is well distributed and coated with the flavorful oil and onions. Allow it to cook together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the tuna absorb the aromatic flavors from the onions and oil.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the tuna and onion mixture is cooking, your pot of water should be ready for the pasta. Drop the spaghetti into the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent the strands from sticking together. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for a perfect al dente texture. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
As the spaghetti cooks, pour the canned peeled tomatoes into the skillet with the tuna and onions. Use a spoon to break up the tomatoes into smaller pieces and stir everything together. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked, carefully reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. Drain the spaghetti well and then add it directly into the skillet with the prepared tuna sauce. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta better.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and give the pasta one last toss. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top and tear a few leaves of fresh basil to scatter over the dish for a fragrant, herbal aroma. Mix everything together for a final burst of flavor, and your Spaghetti al Tonno is ready to serve.
Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and aromatic, making sure each plate gets a generous portion of the hearty tuna sauce.
Serving Suggestions
For an added touch of flavor, you can garnish your Spaghetti al Tonno with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or even a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, although the dish is delightful on its own. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to make the meal even more enjoyable.
This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to prepare a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying without a lot of effort. The combination of tuna, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil is a winning one, creating a dish that feels comforting yet light at the same time.
Tips
- Tuna Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use fresh tuna or even a different type of canned fish, such as sardines, for a slight variation.
- Add Extra Veggies: For added flavor and nutrition, you can toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into the sauce.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spaghetti al Tonno is a timeless Italian dish that’s simple to prepare, yet bursting with flavor. With just a few basic ingredients—pasta, tuna, tomatoes, and a few pantry staples—you can create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a quick lunch. The balance of savory tuna, fresh herbs, and bright tomatoes makes each bite a joy, and the whole dish comes together in less than 30 minutes.
This recipe is not just for tuna lovers—its savory and tangy flavors will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good, comforting pasta dish. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Enjoy your Spaghetti al Tonno!
