Spaghetti Aglio Olio with Tuna: A Simple, Flavorful Pasta Dish
This Spaghetti Aglio Olio with Tuna recipe offers a delicious, quick, and easy-to-make pasta dish. With a light and savory combination of garlic, tuna, and optional spicy chilies, this dish captures the essence of classic Aglio Olio but with a satisfying protein boost. Perfect for a light dinner or lunch, it’s versatile and can be enjoyed with a splash of olive oil or a drizzle of your favorite cooking oil. Here’s how to make this delightful, flavorful pasta at home!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti (La Fonte or your favorite brand) | 1/4 package (about 75g) |
| Onion (small, finely chopped) | 1/4 onion |
| Canned Tuna in oil (brand: Ayam) | 1/4 can (drained) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil) | As needed |
| Red chili (fresh, optional) | To taste |
| Bird’s eye chili (optional) | To taste |
| Oregano powder | A pinch (optional) |
| Pasta water (reserved) | 2 tablespoons (approx.) |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook the spaghetti: Begin by boiling a pot of water. Add a pinch of salt and a small amount of butter for extra flavor. Once the water is bubbling, add the spaghetti and cook for about 8 minutes, or until it’s al dente. Be careful not to overcook it, as the spaghetti will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce. Drain the pasta, reserving about 2 tablespoons of pasta water. |
| 2 | Prepare the garlic and onion base: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a generous splash of olive oil or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and fresh red chilies (optional, adjust to your spice level). Sauté until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. For extra spice, you can also add bird’s eye chilies (optional). |
| 3 | Add the tuna: Drain the tuna flakes and add them to the pan. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the tuna is well combined with the onions and chilies. Stir to mix, breaking up the tuna flakes with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pan. |
| 4 | Toss in the spaghetti: Once the tuna is ready, gently toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the tuna mixture. |
| 5 | Moisten the pasta: Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. This will help the spaghetti absorb the flavors and prevent it from becoming too dry. If you like it extra moist, you can add more pasta water or a bit more oil, depending on your preference. |
| 6 | Season the dish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Then, sprinkle in oregano powder to give the dish its signature aroma. Stir well to combine all the flavors. |
| 7 | Serve: Transfer the Spaghetti Aglio Olio with Tuna to a serving plate. If you want to make it more vibrant, garnish with extra chili flakes, fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve hot and enjoy this easy, satisfying pasta dish! |
Tips for a Perfect Aglio Olio:
- Cook per portion: For the best texture, it’s recommended to cook the spaghetti in smaller batches, per serving. Cooking large portions at once can make the pasta a bit soggy and heavy.
- Pasta water is key: The reserved pasta water is the secret to making sure the Aglio Olio doesn’t dry out. Use it wisely to keep your pasta moist and flavorful.
- Customize: Feel free to play around with spices or add extra veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for more flavor and nutrition.
This simple Spaghetti Aglio Olio with Tuna recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something light yet full of flavor. It pairs well with a fresh salad or even some garlic bread on the side. Enjoy this cozy, homemade meal that comes together in no time!
