Tuna Tomato Pasta Recipe: A Quick & Delicious Meal
This Tuna Tomato Pasta recipe is a simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's quick to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking time, yet delivers a burst of flavour that will please the whole family. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Adjust ingredient quantities accordingly for larger servings.
- Pasta: 8 ounces (225g) of your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rotini, or fusilli work well.
- Tuna: Two 5 ounce (140g) cans of tuna in water or oil, drained.
- Canned Tomatoes: One 14.5 ounce (411g) can of crushed tomatoes.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Or use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for convenience.
- Onion: ½ medium onion, finely chopped (optional, but adds extra flavor).
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish).
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick).
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
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Combine Tuna and Pasta: Add the drained tuna to the tomato sauce and gently stir to combine. Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the skillet with the tuna sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves (if using).
Tips and Variations for Your Tuna Tomato Pasta:
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce.
- Creamy Tuna Pasta: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Cheese Please: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese over the finished dish for extra cheesy goodness.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Different Tuna: Tuna packed in oil will create a richer sauce, while tuna packed in water is a lighter option.
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