Delicious pasta

Delicious Pasta with Tuna and Tomato Sauce

I invite you to discover a simple yet extremely tasty recipe that combines the fresh flavors of tomatoes with the richness of tuna and the creaminess of Gouda cheese. This pasta recipe is ideal for quick lunches or savory dinners, being easy to prepare but with a taste that will impress everyone at the table.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 400 g pasta (fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti, your choice)
- 3 small cans of tuna in olive oil
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 300 ml crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Dried oregano (to taste)
- Dried basil (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 100 g Gouda cheese (grated)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Recipe Story

Over time, pasta has become a staple in many culinary cultures, being extremely versatile. This simple recipe for pasta with tuna and tomato sauce is an excellent way to make the most of canned goods and create a delicious dish without too much effort. Tuna, a protein-rich ingredient, combined with antioxidant-rich tomatoes, makes this dish a healthy and nourishing choice.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Start by peeling the onion and garlic. Chop the onion finely and crush the garlic cloves. This step is essential as the onion will form the base of your sauce's flavors.
- Drain the tuna from the oil and place it in a bowl. Use a fork to flake it so that it easily integrates into the sauce.

2. Preparing the sauce:
- Heat the two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step will intensify the onion's flavor, providing a tasty foundation for your sauce.
- Once the onion is sautéed, add the crushed garlic and let it cook for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to burn it as it becomes bitter.

3. Adding the tomatoes:
- Add the canned diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will concentrate and intensify.

4. Finalizing the sauce:
- 5 minutes before the sauce is ready, add the flaked tuna. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and dried basil, adjusting the spices to taste. This mixture will create a rich, flavorful sauce.

5. Boiling the pasta:
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Typically, fusilli or rigatoni need about 8-12 minutes to be al dente.

6. Mixing the pasta with the sauce:
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato and tuna sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Let it cook for 2 minutes so that the flavors combine perfectly.

7. Serving:
- Divide the pasta into deep plates, sprinkle the grated Gouda cheese on top, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. This detail will not only add a pleasant visual aspect but also a fresh aroma.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the pasta: Fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti? Choose what you have on hand! Fusilli will hold the sauce better, while rigatoni offers a sturdier texture.
- The tuna: If you prefer a stronger flavor, use tuna in olive oil. You can also experiment with tuna in water for a lighter version.
- The tomatoes: I recommend using quality canned tomatoes as they have a richer and deeper flavor than out-of-season fresh tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is an excellent option for adding fiber and extra nutrients.

2. How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the tomato sauce for an extra kick.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can include black olives, roasted red peppers, or even vegetables like zucchini or spinach to enrich the dish.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe for pasta with tuna and tomato sauce offers approximately 450 calories per serving, being a balanced meal rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant for health.

A Personal Note

Personally, I love to serve this pasta with a fresh green salad and a glass of dry white wine. It's a perfect combination to add a festive touch to the table.

Possible Variations

- Vegetarian: Replace the tuna with fried tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Fish: You can use salmon or sardines instead of tuna for another flavor.

Try this delicious recipe for pasta with tuna and tomato sauce and enjoy every bite. Whether you prepare it for yourself or your loved ones, every meal will be a celebration of taste!