Fresh Tuna Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives

Fresh Tuna Pasta (Pasta con Tonno Fresco)
Category: First Courses
Serves: 4

This fresh tuna pasta is a light yet satisfying dish, perfect for a casual dinner or even a special meal to share with loved ones. The combination of tuna, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a delightful explosion of flavors. Here’s how you can make this beautiful pasta dish.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fresh Tuna Marinade:
   Start by preparing the fresh tuna. Slice it into thin strips, then season it with a pinch of sea salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Grate the zest of half a lemon over the tuna, making sure to coat it evenly. Set it aside to marinate while you work on the rest of the ingredients.

2. Prepare the Tomatoes and Chili:
   While the tuna marinates, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Set them aside. Take the fresh chili pepper, remove the stem, and slice it thinly, discarding most of the seeds. Mince the chili finely, depending on how spicy you prefer your dish.

3. Sauté the Garlic and Chili:
   Place a large pan over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic clove (peeled and whole) and the sliced chili. Sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing the garlic to infuse the oil with its flavor while the chili releases its heat. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.

4. Cook the Cherry Tomatoes:
   Once the garlic and chili have softened, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Stir gently to coat them with the oil, garlic, and chili. After a couple of minutes, add the brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Let the tomatoes cook down for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and start to break apart.

5. Cook the Pasta:
   In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti rigati and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is ready, reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the pan with the tomatoes, garlic, and chili. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta. Stir in the marinated tuna, letting it gently warm up in the sauce for just a couple of minutes.

7. Add the Olives and Fresh Herbs:
   Next, stir in the Taggiasca olives, chopped fresh parsley, and basil. For extra flavor, you can add a little more basil and parsley on top. Grate a bit more lemon zest over the dish to add a fresh citrus aroma. Toss everything together for a final time.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once everything is well combined and the tuna is just heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the pasta on individual plates, making sure to distribute the tomatoes, tuna, and olives evenly. Top with a final sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

This fresh tuna pasta is a perfect balance of light, bright, and savory flavors. The marinated tuna adds a delightful richness, while the fresh tomatoes and herbs keep the dish refreshing and light. Ideal for a simple weeknight meal, but impressive enough for a weekend gathering.

Tips for the Best Pasta:

• Tuna: Use fresh tuna for the best flavor and texture. Canned tuna can also work in a pinch, but it will change the overall taste of the dish.
• Tomatoes: The cherry tomatoes should be ripe and juicy for the best flavor. If you’re making this during the off-season, feel free to use sun-dried tomatoes for an added depth of flavor.
• Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley are a must. If you don’t have them on hand, try using dried herbs, though fresh will always provide a better taste and aroma.
• Chili: Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to your heat tolerance. For a milder dish, use only half the chili or leave out the seeds.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Enjoy this fresh tuna pasta as a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare but full of vibrant flavors. It’s a perfect dish for any time of the year and sure to become a family favorite.