Description
A bright and flavorful pasta dish with tuna, lemon, capers, and anchovies, offering a balance of savory, tangy, and umami-rich flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 200g (7oz) spaghetti (or your preferred long pasta)
- 1 tbsp salt (for cooking pasta)
- For the Tuna Sauce:
- 285g (10oz) canned tuna in oil (drained, oil reserved)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 anchovy fillets, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, or use fresh chili if you prefer)
- 1 ½ tbsp baby capers (or finely chopped pickles)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (substitute for parsley if preferred)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice (or substitute with apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist)
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for added richness)
- Optional:
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring 3 liters (3 quarts) of water to a boil with 1 tbsp salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute. Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, heat the reserved tuna oil and extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant and anchovies dissolve.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta, capers, and 1/3 cup of reserved pasta water to the pot. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes until well combined.
- Add the Tuna and Flavor Boosters: Turn off the heat. Gently stir in the tuna, basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss carefully to mix everything, making sure to keep some tuna chunks intact for texture.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, and if desired, sprinkle with some freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino for an extra layer of flavor. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Extra Zing: A splash of vinegar or a drizzle of truffle oil at the end can elevate the dish even more.
- Add Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or arugula just before serving for a touch of greenery and a peppery bite.
- Crispy Crumbs: For a little crunch, top the pasta with homemade crispy breadcrumbs (just sauté some breadcrumbs in a bit of oil and garlic).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
