Penne Con Sugo Di Tunno E' Pepercini(Penne With Tuna And Roasted Peppers)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

Penne with tuna and roasted peppers offers a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired combination of smoky peppers, briny capers, and tender tuna, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. Suits seafood lovers and pasta fans alike.

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Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet red or yellow bell peppers
  • 6 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. garlic, chopped
  • 3 Tbsp. parsley, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. capers
  • 1 (6 oz.) Italian tuna in olive oil
  • 1 lb. penne
  • 2 Tbsp. flavored bread crumbs
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Turn oven on to 500°F; roast peppers until tender.
  2. Cook peppers until tender, then skin, remove seeds, and cut into 1/2-inch strips.
  3. Put 3 tablespoons of oil and chopped garlic into a saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Cook garlic until light gold.
  5. Add pepper strips, raise heat, and stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes; allow peppers to absorb flavor.
  6. Add parsley and capers; stir 2 to 3 times.
  7. Turn off heat.
  8. Add salt, pepper, and tuna to the mixture.
  9. Break up tuna with a wooden spoon and mix thoroughly.
  10. Cook penne al dente according to package instructions.
  11. Drain the pasta immediately.
  12. Transfer pasta to a serving bowl and add the sauce.
  13. Toss well, adding remaining 3 tablespoons of oil.
  14. Top with flavored bread crumbs.
  15. Serve at once.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the peppers instead of roasting. If you can't find Italian tuna, any good-quality canned tuna will work, but opt for tuna packed in oil for the best taste. To enhance the dish, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or using fresh basil instead of parsley for a different herbal note.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served immediately, but it can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the flavors. It also goes wonderfully with Italian Sardine Bread for a heartier meal. A light white wine would enhance the dining experience beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat with a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving directly, as it may make the pasta soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Penne Con Sugo Di Tunno E' Pepercini(Penne With Tuna And Roasted Peppers) contains roughly 872 calories, with 28g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1852mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).

872 kcal 44% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 27.9g 56% DV
Total Fat 21.8g 28% DV
Carbs 140.6g 51% DV
Fiber 10.6g 38% DV
Sugar 10.1g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1851.5mg 81% DV
Potassium 857.4mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 13.3mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 247.9mg 19% DV
Iron 12.7mg 71% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten Fish

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 other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while penne is traditional, you can substitute with any short pasta like ziti or rigatoni. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose, as some shapes may require different boiling times.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the tuna and add more vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms. You can also boost the umami flavor by incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or olives, which pair well with the roasted peppers.

What can I serve with Penne Con Sugo Di Tunno E' Pepercini?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Baked Shrimp Fettuccine, which complements the seafood flavors nicely.

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).

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