Save A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring flaky canned tuna, briny olives, and tangy capers in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that captures Italian flavors with minimum effort.
I first made this pasta on a rushed evening after a long day, and was amazed by how flavorful and satisfying it turned out with just a few ingredients from the pantry. Now it is my go-to recipe when I want something both simple and special.
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
- 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 (optional): 1/4 tsp
- 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.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- 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.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly thickens.
- Add 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.
- Combine Pasta & 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 dish always brings back memories of sharing laughter around the table with family, everyone twirling forkfuls and savoring the bright flavors together.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, large skillet, wooden spoon, chefs knife, and chopping board are all you need to prepare this recipe.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 465 calories, 13 g total fat, 64 g carbohydrates, and 24 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino, and add a simple green salad on the side for balance.
Save This pasta is a perfect balance of briny and fresh flavors. Save the leftovers for a delicious lunch the next day!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Fresh tuna can be used but requires quick searing and may alter the dish's texture and cooking time. Canned tuna provides convenience and consistent flakiness.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal as they hold the sauce well, but any long pasta shape can be substituted based on preference.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness?
Red pepper flakes are optional; reduce or omit them for a milder flavor or increase for additional heat.
- → Can I swap black olives for green olives?
Yes, green olives provide a slightly different briny flavor and work well as an alternative to black olives in this dish.
- → How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta varieties to accommodate dietary needs without compromising the overall flavor.