Pasta with tuna, cream, and vegetables

Recipe for Pasta with Tuna, Cream, and Vegetables

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Introduction

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today we will prepare a simple and quick recipe, perfect for a delicious dinner: pasta with tuna, cream, and vegetables. This recipe is not only easy to make but also full of flavor, combining the velvety texture of cream with the intense taste of tuna and the freshness of vegetables. Whether you are a beginner cook or a master chef, this recipe is sure to impress!

A bit of history

Pasta with tuna has a rich history, being a popular dish in many cultures. It has often been used as a way to transform simple ingredients into comforting and nutritious meals. Tuna, an excellent source of protein, adds flavor and nutrition, while cream enriches the dish with a creamy texture.

Ingredients

- 250 g spaghetti (or any type of pasta you prefer)
- 1 can of tuna in oil (about 200 g)
- 200 g cream (12-20% fat)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 clove of garlic
- 250 g mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 ml white wine (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 100 ml water
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan for serving

Step by step

1. Preparing the pasta
Start by boiling the pasta. Fill a large pot with water and add a teaspoon of salt. Put it on the heat and wait for it to boil. When the water starts to boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (usually between 8-10 minutes for al dente spaghetti). Once cooked, drain and drizzle with two tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking. Mix well and set aside.

2. Preparing the sauce
While the pasta is boiling, you can prepare the sauce. In a large skillet or a non-stick pot, add two tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat. When it becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes), add the crushed garlic clove. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic becomes bitter if overcooked. Let it cook for 30 seconds.

3. Adding the vegetables
Now, add the mixed frozen vegetables and cover the skillet. Allow the vegetables to thaw and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. The wine and water
After the vegetables have softened, add the white wine and water. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes. This step is essential as the wine adds depth of flavor to the sauce.

5. Adding the cream
Once the wine has evaporated a bit, add the cream. Mix well and let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. It is important not to let the sauce become too creamy but to have a slightly liquid consistency.

6. The tuna and spices
After 10 minutes, add the tuna with its oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well and let the sauce cook for another 5 minutes. This will allow the tuna to blend with the other ingredients.

7. Combining the pasta with the sauce
Once the sauce is ready, take the drained pasta and add it to the skillet over the tuna cream sauce. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes so that the pasta absorbs some of the sauce's flavors.

8. Serving
Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan on top. For an extra touch of freshness, you can also add a few fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley. This detail will add a splash of color and flavor to your dish!

Practical tips

- Fresh or frozen vegetables: If you prefer fresh vegetables, you can replace the mixed frozen vegetables with seasonal vegetables. Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers are excellent choices.
- Types of pasta: This recipe is versatile; you can use penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Add spices: If you like spicy food, you can add chili flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
- The wine: If you do not consume alcohol, you can omit the wine and add more water or vegetable broth to maintain the intense flavors.

Nutritional values (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g

Recipes or drinks that pair well

These pasta dishes pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Additionally, a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade would perfectly complement the meal. If you want to add a dessert, a slice of fruit cake or vanilla ice cream would be the ideal choice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use tuna in water instead of tuna in oil?
Yes, you can use tuna in water, but the sauce may need a splash of oil to achieve a creamy texture.

2. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Of course! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, all you need to do is reheat it and add the cooked pasta.

3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the tuna and add mushrooms or tofu for an extra protein boost.

I hope you enjoy this simple and delicious recipe! Cooking is an art, and every meal is an opportunity to express your creativity. Bon appétit!