Tuna Sauce With Pasta
A vibrant tuna pasta dish featuring garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and a splash of red wine, perfect for quick, flavorful meals that suit seafood lovers and herb enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Italian parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. hot red pepper, crushed ⓘ
- 1 (6 1/2 oz.) can chunk tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 2 heaping Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1/2 c. dry red wine ⓘ
- 2 c. canned peeled Italian tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine garlic, parsley, and basil.
- Set aside half of the herb mixture.
- In a medium saucepan, sauté the remaining herb mixture in olive oil over medium heat, do not brown.
- Add hot red pepper and salt; cook for 1 minute.
- Add tuna and tomato paste; stir with a wooden spoon for 1 minute.
- Add red wine and stir over high heat until the paste is dissolved.
- Add canned peeled Italian tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, then remove from heat and stir in the remaining herb mixture.
- Pour over hot cooked pasta and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using freshly grated Parmesan cheese as a topping. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot red pepper. You can also substitute fresh tomatoes for the canned ones if they are in season. For a different twist, try adding olives or capers to the sauce. This recipe pairs beautifully with Nautical Pasta for a seafood feast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tuna sauce over your favorite pasta, and consider garnishing with additional chopped herbs for freshness. A side salad or garlic bread complements the meal well. For a more substantial feast, pair it with Italian recipes like Stuffed Shells Neapolitan or a light white wine to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to retain the sauce's texture. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or additional red wine to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Sauce With Pasta contains roughly 1167 calories, with 8g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (155% of the Daily Value), calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 briefly before adding it to the sauce, ensuring it remains tender and flavorful. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
Any pasta works well, but long strands like spaghetti or linguine are ideal for capturing the sauce. You could also try it with short pasta shapes for a different texture.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving, and it can save you time during busy weeknights.
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).