Ragu-By-The-Sea
A quick, savory pasta dish featuring tuna and tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting meal that combines seafood with classic Italian flavors, suitable for weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in butter until translucent.
- Stir in drained tuna and saute briefly.
- Add Ragu spaghetti sauce and parsley flakes.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Serve over cooked and drained macaroni.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream. If you're out of tuna, canned salmon is a great substitute. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavor, and feel free to add vegetables such as peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition. This dish is a quick and easy option, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ragu-By-The-Sea over the macaroni, garnished with additional parsley for a fresh touch. A side salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the dish nicely, or you could pair it with garlic bread for a heartier meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes featuring seafood, enhancing your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ragu-By-The-Sea contains roughly 1011 calories, with 8g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% 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 cooked tuna instead of canned. Just make sure to flake it into small pieces before adding it to the sauce. Fresh tuna will provide a different texture and flavor, making the dish more gourmet. Just be mindful of cooking it properly to avoid dryness.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the tuna and add more vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You might also consider using a meat substitute like lentils or chickpeas to add protein. This will still give a satisfying texture and flavor without the seafood.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While macaroni is traditional for this recipe, other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work well, too. These shapes hold the sauce nicely, ensuring every bite is flavorful. For a different twist, you could even use linguine for a more elegant presentation.
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).