Pasta With Tuna Sauce
A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring tuna, garlic, and parsley, perfect for a light lunch or dinner, appealing to seafood lovers and those seeking easy comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, cook chopped onion with a small amount of olive oil until transparent.
- Add the canned tuna to the pan, stirring to blend.
- Add parsley, a dash of salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook linguini or penne pasta until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some of the water if needed.
- Pour the tuna sauce over the cooked pasta and serve. No cheese, please.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using garlic or red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute the canned tuna with cooked chicken or chickpeas. Fresh parsley can be replaced with basil for a different twist, while whole wheat pasta can be used for added nutrition. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. A side of Antipasto Salad(From The Simply Italian Recipe Book) pairs beautifully and complements the flavors of the tuna. For a complete meal, consider adding a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta and sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Tuna Sauce contains roughly 190 calories, with 21g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% 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 fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna! Just sear it in the pan before adding other ingredients. Cook it until it’s just done for the best flavor and texture. Remember to adjust the cooking time as fresh tuna cooks faster than canned.
What type of pasta works best for this sauce?
While linguini or penne are ideal, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Short pasta like fusilli or farfalle will hold the sauce well, while long pasta like spaghetti can give a nice presentation. Choose according to your preference.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tuna sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it just before serving. However, it's best to cook the pasta fresh to maintain its texture and avoid it becoming mushy.
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).