Description
This Tuna Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with tuna, garlic, lemon zest, capers, and fresh parsley. Finished with grated Parmesan cheese, it’s a perfect 25-minute meal ideal for busy weeknights or a delicious light lunch.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti (or other pasta)
Sauce & Mix-ins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna (drained)
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup capers (drained)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (plus extra for serving)
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm.
- Prepare Tuna Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the drained tuna, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine thoroughly.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta, drained capers, and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together to fully coat the pasta and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat, then stir in the fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese as desired.
Notes
- Use good quality canned tuna packed in olive oil for richer flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially depending on the saltiness of capers.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
