Fettuccine With Tuna Sauce
Fettuccine with vibrant roasted peppers, fresh arugula, and tuna creates a flavorful, quick Italian-inspired meal perfect for seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. fettucine noodles ⓘ
- 2 large red and/or yellow peppers ⓘ
- 1 large onion
- 2 Tbsp. olive or salad oil ⓘ
- 8 oz. arugula or 6 cups loosely packed spinach leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chicken flavor instant bouillon ⓘ
- 12 1/2 to 13 oz. can tuna, drained and separated into chunks ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped pimento-stuffed olives ⓘ
Instructions
- About 45 minutes before serving, prepare fettuccine as label directs.
- While the pasta cooks, roast or sauté the peppers and onion until tender.
- In a large skillet, heat olive or salad oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and peppers, cook until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in chicken flavor instant bouillon until dissolved.
- Add drained tuna chunks and chopped pimento-stuffed olives, cook briefly to heat through.
- Add arugula or spinach leaves to the skillet, cook until wilted.
- Drain cooked fettuccine and toss with the sauce mixture.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional olives if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, consider substituting the tuna with chickpeas or white beans. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. Also, using whole wheat fettuccine can boost the dish's fiber content. Be sure to taste the sauce before serving to adjust seasoning, as the bouillon can vary in saltiness. This dish can be served alongside a light salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fettuccine with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a hearty meal. A crisp green salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette complements the dish well. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Chicken Minestrone Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta gummy. If the sauce has thickened, adding a little broth can help restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fettuccine With Tuna Sauce contains roughly 395 calories, with 29g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and calcium (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1007mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type. Whole grain or gluten-free options can also work well, providing a different texture and flavor profile to the dish.
What can I use instead of tuna?
If you're looking for a substitute for tuna, canned salmon or shredded cooked chicken are excellent choices. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using canned chickpeas or lentils for added protein. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is heated through before serving.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the fettuccine with tuna sauce, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the onions and peppers. You can also serve the dish with a side of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on top for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).