Save A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring flaky canned tuna, briny olives, and tangy capers in a savory tomato sauce. Enjoy this easy Italian meal bursting with flavor for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Pasta with tuna, olives & capers became a weeknight favorite for me during college. It was simple, comforting, and never failed to delight friends visiting after a long day.
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 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.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly thickens.
- Incorporate 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 with 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.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with remaining parsley and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save This is the dish my kids request after soccer practice. We gather at the table, sharing highlights of the day while twirling pasta on our forks.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino and add a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Variations
Try green olives instead of black or use gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free version. Adjust red pepper flakes for a mild or spicy kick.
Tools Needed
You will need a large pot, colander, large skillet, wooden spoon, and a chef: knife with a chopping board.
Save Enjoy the bright flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite. This pasta is sure to make dinner memorable!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine pairs well, holding the sauce on each strand for an even flavor.
- → Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Fresh tuna can be used but should be cooked gently to maintain its texture; canned tuna offers a convenient, flaky consistency.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Omit or reduce the red pepper flakes to lessen heat, or add more for a spicier kick depending on preference.
- → Are green olives suitable as a substitute?
Yes, green olives provide a different but tasty flavor profile that complements the dish’s Mediterranean notes.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino enhances the bright and briny elements of the dish.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.