Tuna Fish Sauce With Spaghetti

Prep: 10 min Cook: 65 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Italian

A quick and flavorful spaghetti dish featuring tuna, fresh herbs, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying Lenten or weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium can flaked tuna fish
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1 large can tomatoes
  • 1 small can tomato puree
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp chopped basil
  • 1 lb spaghetti

Instructions

  1. Brown the flaked tuna fish in oil over low heat for 10 minutes.
  2. Add chopped garlic and chopped parsley; cook for a few minutes.
  3. Add salt, pepper, chopped tomatoes, and tomato puree; simmer for 1 hour.
  4. Stir in oregano and chopped basil; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti or fine noodles.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute the tuna with canned salmon or cooked shrimp. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option. To enhance the dish, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tuna sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti, garnished with extra parsley for a pop of color. A simple side salad or garlic bread complements the dish well. For a delightful pairing, consider serving it with a glass of crisp white wine, enhancing the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain consistency. Reheat cooked spaghetti separately and combine before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tuna Fish Sauce With Spaghetti contains roughly 130 calories, with 12g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (89% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1844mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).

130 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.7g 23% DV
Total Fat 3.6g 5% DV
Carbs 18.9g 7% DV
Fiber 12.7g 45% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1844.4mg 80% DV
Potassium 1366.9mg 29% DV
Cholesterol 14.2mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.6mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 28mg 31% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 340.1mg 26% DV
Iron 16mg 89% DV
Diet fit High-protein Keto-friendly High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Yes, fresh tuna can be used, but it requires different cooking times. Sear the tuna until cooked through before flaking it into the sauce. This will give the dish a fresher taste and a different texture.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce to achieve the desired consistency.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This tuna fish sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It's a perfect meal prep option as it tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld together. Just reheat and serve over freshly cooked spaghetti.

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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