Pasta with tuna, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives

Pasta with Tuna, Roasted Peppers, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Olives - A Quick and Flavorful One-Pot Recipe

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

Discover the charm of a recipe that is simple to prepare yet full of flavor! Pasta with tuna, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives is perfect for a quick dinner or to impress your guests. This recipe is inspired by the 'one pot pasta' method, which involves cooking all the ingredients in a single pot, saving time and dishwashing. It's a versatile dish that can be easily adapted based on the ingredients you have on hand.

Necessary Ingredients

- 300 g tortellini (or your favorite type of pasta)
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 150 g sun-dried tomatoes (drained of oil)
- 200 g roasted peppers (fresh or canned)
- 100 g olives (preferably green or black, sliced)
- 200 g tuna (canned, drained)
- Seasoned salt (oregano, thyme, marjoram, rosemary)
- Freshly ground pepper
- 250 ml cold water

For garnish:

- Chives
- Fresh sage leaves
- Fresh lemon balm leaves

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. These will add a deep and aromatic flavor to your dish. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready to facilitate the cooking process.

Step 2: Cooking the Ingredients

In a deep skillet, add the pasta, onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped roasted peppers, sliced olives, and tuna broken into pieces. This vibrant mix will bring any meal to life!

Step 3: Seasoning

Sprinkle seasoned salt and freshly ground pepper over the mixture in the skillet. This step is essential for adding depth to the flavor, so feel free to adjust the spices according to your personal preferences.

Step 4: Adding Water

Pour 250 ml of cold water over the ingredients in the skillet. This will help the pasta cook evenly and create a delicate sauce full of flavor.

Step 5: Cooking the Pasta

Place the skillet over medium heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the skillet and cooks evenly. You'll know it's ready when it has an al dente texture.

Step 6: Serving the Dish

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes. This time will help the flavors blend perfectly. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with chopped chives, sage leaves, and fresh lemon balm. These will add a touch of freshness and a pleasant appearance to the dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This recipe can be easily adapted based on the ingredients you have. You can add Kalamata olives for a more intense flavor or replace the tuna with cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.

If you enjoy dishes with a kick, add chili flakes or a bit of Tabasco sauce. You can also experiment with different types of pasta: fusilli or penne are excellent alternatives.

Nutritional Information

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. The pasta provides complex carbohydrates for energy, while the tuna is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and roasted peppers contribute essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, using whole grain pasta will add extra fiber and nutrients to the dish.

2. What can I do with leftovers?
This pasta is just as tasty cold, so you can turn it into a hearty salad.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian diet?
You can replace the tuna with tofu or mushrooms, and the olives will add a savory flavor.

4. Can fresh vegetables be added?
Absolutely! Zucchini, spinach, or squash are excellent additions.

Conclusion

Pasta with tuna, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives is a perfect choice for a quick, flavorful meal. I encourage you to experiment and put your personal touch on this recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!