Pasta with tuna, olives, and tomato sauce

Pasta with tuna, olives, and tomato sauce: a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

If you are looking for a quick and tasty recipe, pasta with tuna, olives, and tomato sauce is the perfect choice! This flavorful combination will not only satisfy your pasta cravings but also provide you with a nutritious meal full of aromas. This pasta is ideal for quick lunches or family dinners, and it will surely become a favorite in your menu.

A brief history

Pasta has a rich and varied tradition, being consumed for centuries around the world. Combining it with fish, such as tuna, is a common practice in many cultures due to the accessibility of fish and its nutritional properties. This simple and quick recipe leads to a savory result that blends the comfort of pasta with the delicate taste of tuna and olives.

Ingredients

- 250 g pasta (about half a package)
- 1 can of tuna in its own juice (about 160 g)
- 2 medium onions
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3 ripe tomatoes (or 400 g canned crushed tomatoes)
- 150-200 g pitted olives (preferably green or black, to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons of ketchup (preferably homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh basil
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon

Steps for preparation

Step 1: Boil the pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt, which will help flavor the pasta. When the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually between 8 and 12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta). Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce

Meanwhile, heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and crushed garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. It’s important not to let them brown, but to soften slowly to release their flavors.

Step 3: Add the tomatoes and spices

Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the 2 tablespoons of water, the juice of ½ lemon, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. These ingredients will create a flavorful base for your sauce. Let everything simmer for about 10-15 minutes over low heat to evaporate some liquid and concentrate the flavors.

Step 4: Complete the sauce

After the sauce has thickened, add the homemade ketchup and crushed tomatoes. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for another 5-6 minutes. Then, add the sliced olives (or whole if they are small) and finely chopped fresh basil and dill. Turn off the heat and let the sauce rest.

Step 5: Finish the preparation

When the pasta is cooked, drain it well and add it to the skillet with the prepared sauce. Gently mix to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, then serve immediately. For an extra flavor boost, you can add some flaked tuna, lemon slices, and a few fresh basil leaves on top.

Serving suggestions

This pasta with tuna, olives, and tomato sauce is delicious when served hot. You can accompany it with a crunchy green salad or a salad of arugula and parmesan, and for a refreshing touch, a glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement the meal.

Practical tips

- Homemade ketchup: If you don’t have homemade ketchup on hand, you can skip it or use a natural tomato sauce, but ketchup adds a pleasant sweetness to the sauce.
- Ingredient variations: You can try adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, which can be sautéed along with the onion to bring extra texture and nutrients.
- Types of pasta: Although macaroni is excellent for this recipe, you can also use other types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, which can hold the sauce better.

Nutritional information

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious! Tuna is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Olives provide healthy fats and antioxidants, while tomatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and lycopene. A serving of pasta with tuna and olives contains about 500 calories, depending on the serving size and the oil used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Sure! Fresh tuna can be a delicious alternative, but it needs to be cooked separately and added at the end.

- How can I make the recipe vegetarian?
You can omit the tuna and add more vegetables or even tofu to create a savory vegetarian meal.

- Can I keep leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet to bring them back to life.

Conclusion

This recipe for pasta with tuna, olives, and tomato sauce is not only simple but also full of flavors and nutritional benefits. Regardless of the occasion, it will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. So, get ready to enjoy a memorable meal full of taste and warmth! Enjoy your meal!