Spaghetti with tuna sauce

Spaghetti with tuna sauce – a simple and delicious dish, perfect for a quick and filling meal! This recipe combines Mediterranean flavors with an accessible ingredient, tuna, bringing together tastes and textures that will delight you. Whether you are a cooking enthusiast or a beginner eager to impress, this spaghetti recipe will help you add a touch of magic to your kitchen.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 cans of tuna in its own juice (340 g total)
- 250-300 g spaghetti
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes (400 g)
- 5-6 sprigs of fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Brief history
Spaghetti with tuna sauce represents a perfect combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients, inspired by Mediterranean culinary traditions. Tuna, a versatile ingredient, not only provides a delicious taste but also an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This recipe has become popular due to the speed at which it can be prepared, making it a favorite for everyday meals as well as quick family dinners.

Step by step preparation of spaghetti with tuna sauce

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling the onion, which you will chop finely. Ensure the slices are uniform for even sautéing. Remove the seeds from the bell pepper and cut it into suitable pieces. Peel and slice the garlic thinly. These ingredients will create the flavorful base of your sauce.

2. Heating the oil:
In a medium-sized skillet, heat the two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Olive oil not only adds a delicious flavor but also helps absorb the aromas.

3. Sautéing the vegetables:
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, allowing them to sweat for 1-2 minutes until the onion becomes slightly translucent. This is when the flavors begin to reveal themselves.

4. Adding the bell pepper:
Place the pieces of bell pepper in the skillet, stirring them with the onion and garlic. Let them soften for a few minutes. The bell pepper adds a sweet and vibrant note to the sauce, perfectly complementing the tuna.

5. Incorporating the tuna:
Drain the tuna well, ensuring it is completely drained. Add the tuna to the skillet, but do not break it up too much – it’s nice to have some larger pieces for texture.

6. Cooking the sauce:
Let the mixture cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, take the peeled tomatoes and place them in a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. This paste will add an intense flavor and rich texture to your sauce.

7. Combining the ingredients:
Incorporate the tomato paste into the skillet, mixing well. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper according to your preferences. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will notice the sauce thickening and becoming a delicious paste.

8. Boiling the spaghetti:
In a large pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. If you prefer, you can break them in half for easier mixing with the sauce. Boil the spaghetti for 12-14 minutes or until al dente, then drain well.

9. Finalizing the sauce:
A few minutes before the sauce is done, add the dried basil and finely chopped fresh parsley. These fresh herbs will provide a vibrant flavor and refreshing aroma. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes.

10. Mixing the spaghetti with the sauce:
Start adding the drained spaghetti to the skillet, mixing them with the sauce. Ensure that each spaghetti is well coated with the flavorful sauce.

11. Serving:
Plate the servings and, if desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. This adds a salty and creamy note that perfectly complements the dish. You can garnish the plate with a few parsley leaves for a more appealing look.

Helpful tips:
- Variations: You can add black olives or capers for an extra flavor boost. Also, if you like spices, you can add chili flakes for a spicier sauce.
- Serving: This spaghetti with tuna sauce pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad to add a refreshing contrast.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavor of the sauce.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tuna is an excellent choice! Just make sure to cook it enough to absorb the flavors of the sauce well.

2. What type of pasta can I use?
If you don’t have spaghetti, you can use any type of pasta you prefer – penne, fusilli, or tagliatelle will work perfectly.

3. How many calories are in a serving of spaghetti with tuna sauce?
A serving of spaghetti with tuna sauce contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil and cheese used.

4. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by using a plant-based tuna or leaving out the tuna for a version without animal protein. You can add extra vegetables for a rich sauce.

This spaghetti with tuna sauce is more than just a simple recipe – it’s an invitation to enjoy cooking and savor moments spent around the table with loved ones. So, prepare your ingredients, embark on a journey of flavors, and enjoy a delicious result! Bon appétit!