Spinach Pasta With Fresh Tuna And Tomato
A vibrant spinach pasta dish featuring fresh tuna, ripe tomatoes, and briny capers, perfect for a quick, Mediterranean-inspired meal full of bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomato with puree added
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can peeled, diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) package dried spinach fettuccine ⓘ
- 1 lb. tuna steak ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts in water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. capers ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. slivered fresh basil ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, garlic, red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes.
- While sauce simmers, cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet, sauté tuna cubes until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain artichoke hearts and add to the skillet with tuna, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Stir in capers and chopped fresh basil.
- Drain cooked fettuccine and add to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to combine.
- Serve immediately garnished with extra basil if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using grilled chicken in place of tuna. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne. Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor, just remember to peel them first. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of Garden Tomato Salad for a refreshing contrast. A crisp white wine or a light rosé pairs beautifully with the flavors of the tuna and spinach. For a complete Mediterranean meal, consider adding a slice of Light Moussaka Soup to the table as well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving to keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Pasta With Fresh Tuna And Tomato contains roughly 343 calories, with 13g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value), iron (65% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1847mg per serving (80% 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 spinach instead of spinach fettuccine?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh spinach! Simply sauté a couple of cups of fresh spinach in the olive oil until wilted and mix it in with the sauce. However, keep in mind that the texture will be different than using fettuccine.
What other types of fish can I use in this recipe?
If tuna isn't available, you can substitute it with salmon or swordfish, both of which will complement the sauce beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of fish you choose, ensuring it is cooked through but still tender.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the tuna and replace it with additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You could also add some chickpeas for protein and texture, while keeping the sauce and pasta as is for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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).