Teresa's Recipes
Savory Tuna Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce
Indulge in the comforting embrace of Savory Tuna Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce, where al dente pasta meets a rich, vibrant tomato sauce enhanced with aromatic herbs and tender chunks of tuna. This dish beautifully captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, offering a quick yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. With roots tracing back to the 20th century, this delightful recipe became a staple for its convenience and affordability, and it continues to warm hearts and fill bellies across the globe. Serve this dish with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete culinary experience!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (spaghetti or penne) Pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 can (14 ounces) Crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon (to taste) Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (to taste) Black pepper
- 1 can (5 ounces, drained and flaked) Canned tuna
- 1/4 cup, chopped (divided) Fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, grated (for serving) Parmesan cheese
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 60g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Gently fold in the drained tuna and half of the chopped fresh basil into the sauce, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining fresh basil.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious tuna pasta!
Tips
- For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some red pepper flakes with the garlic for a hint of spice.
- Feel free to substitute fresh tomatoes for crushed tomatoes if they are in season. Just chop them up and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out your meal.