Ingredients
Tuna and Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup red onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 6 ounces white albacore tuna in water, drained
Pasta
- 1 pound linguine
Instructions
- Boil Water for Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil to prepare for cooking the linguine.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add chopped red onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, stir to combine, then reduce the heat to a simmer to develop the sauce flavors gently.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook for about 7 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta without rinsing to keep the starches that help the sauce adhere.
- Enhance the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, stir in the drained capers, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice into the onion and tomato mixture, blending the flavors.
- Add Tuna and Parsley: Chop the parsley and reserve a small amount for garnish. About one minute before the pasta finishes cooking, fold in the drained tuna and most of the chopped parsley, gently breaking up the tuna into chunks. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Once the pasta is done, immediately transfer it to the saucepan with the sauce. Use tongs to gently toss the pasta and sauce together, ensuring even coating.
- Let Flavors Meld and Serve: Turn off the heat and let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to absorb the sauce’s flavors. Garnish with the reserved parsley and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor in the sauce.
- Be careful not to over-stir the tuna to keep nice chunks intact.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian