Pasta with tuna

Pasta with Tuna: A Quick and Tasty Recipe

Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3-4

Who doesn’t love a quick and delicious meal? Today’s recipe, pasta with tuna, is perfect for those days when time is tight but your appetite is big. This dish combines simplicity with delightful flavors, giving you a comforting meal that can be on your table in under 30 minutes.

Recipe History
Pasta with tuna is a wonderful example of a dish that has gained popularity due to its accessible ingredients and quick preparation. It is often found in kitchens around the world, where canned tuna serves as a cheap and easy source of protein. Whether you’re at home or at the office, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients Needed
- 250 g pasta (any type you like, from spaghetti to penne)
- 2 cans of tuna in oil or water (approximately 160-200 g each)
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 200 g tomato puree (one can)
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Dried thyme or oregano (for added flavor)

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot with 3 liters of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt, and when the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until al dente. It’s important not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook even after draining.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, finely chop the onion and garlic. In a large skillet, heat the 4 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. This is the base of your sauce, and the flavors will blend perfectly with the tuna.

Step 3: Adding the Tuna
Once the onion and garlic are ready, add white wine to the skillet (optional) and let it simmer for 5 minutes to evaporate the alcohol and add a hint of acidity. Then, add the drained tuna, salt, pepper, and thyme (or oregano). Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the tuna to absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Combining the Ingredients
When the pasta is cooked, drain it well and quickly rinse it under cold water. This important step will prevent it from sticking together. Add the pasta to the skillet over the tuna sauce and mix everything well. If you prefer, you can serve the pasta in a bowl and pour the sauce over it.

Step 5: Serving
Serve the pasta immediately, whether you combine it with the sauce or arrange it nicely on a plate and add the sauce on top. This pasta with tuna is delicious both warm and at room temperature. A special suggestion is to sprinkle some grated Parmesan or sliced black olives on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Practical Tips
- You can vary the recipe by adding fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or zucchini. These can be added to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a few tablespoons of sour cream or crumbled feta cheese at the end.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier, fiber-rich option.

Nutritional Information
This recipe is rich in protein from the tuna and carbohydrates from the pasta, providing you with a balanced meal. Additionally, tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
- Yes, but you will need to cook the tuna before adding it to the sauce. You can sear it in the skillet for a more tender texture.

2. What other types of pasta can I use?
- Any type of pasta will work, from fusilli to farfalle. Choose your favorite!

3. Can I store leftovers?
- Yes, you can keep the pasta in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet with a little oil.

Now that you have all the necessary information to prepare this pasta with tuna, I encourage you to get cooking! It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty lunch. Enjoy!