Pin It A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring flaky canned tuna, briny olives, and tangy capers in a savory tomato sauce. This easy Italian main brings big flavors with minimal prep, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed gatherings.
I always turn to this dish on evenings when I crave something satisfying but don&t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of tuna, olives, and capers instantly transports me to sunny coastal Italy.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) dried spaghetti or linguine
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves, finely sliced
- Red onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Canned tuna in olive oil: 160 g (5.5 oz), drained and flaked
- Pitted black olives: 80 g (1/2 cup), sliced
- Capers: 2 tbsp, rinsed and drained
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the sauce base:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red onion; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Simmer the tomatoes:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly thickens.
- Add tuna, olives, and capers:
- Add tuna, olives, and capers to the sauce. Gently heat through for 2–3 minutes, careful not to break up the tuna too much.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen. Mix in lemon zest and half the parsley.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with remaining parsley and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Pin It This recipe quickly became a favorite in my family. Even picky eaters love the bursts of flavor from the olives and capers, and we often make it for casual get-togethers.
Pairings & Serving Ideas
Enjoy this pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Vermentino complements the flavors beautifully.
Make It Yours
Try using green olives instead of black for a different depth or swap linguine for penne. Use chili flakes to add extra heat, or more lemon zest for extra brightness.
Nutrition Info
Each serving contains about 465 calories, 13 g total fat, 64 g carbohydrates, and 24 g protein.
Pin It This crowd-pleasing pasta is sure to be requested again and again. Enjoy every bite with a taste of the Mediterranean at your table!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta for this dish?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well and maintains the dish's texture and flavor profile.
- → What type of olives is best suited here?
Pitted black olives provide a mild briny taste, but green olives can add a sharper flavor if preferred.
- → How can I make the sauce more vibrant?
Using ripe crushed tomatoes and fresh herbs like parsley and oregano enhances the sauce's depth and brightness.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows better adhesion to the pasta, improving texture.
- → Can I substitute fresh tuna for canned tuna?
While fresh tuna can be used, canned tuna in olive oil provides convenience and a consistent flaky texture in the sauce.