Pasta with Tuna and Olives
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Pasta with Tuna and Olives recipe—a Mediterranean-inspired delight that’s as easy as it is flavorful. Al dente spaghetti gets tossed in a savory medley of flaked tuna, briny black olives, and zesty capers, all brought together with aromatic garlic, a touch of red chili flakes for heat, and a hint of citrusy brightness from fresh lemon zest. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this simple yet elegant pasta dish is perfect for busy evenings or casual entertaining. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a wholesome, pantry-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on bold, comforting flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 200 grams canned tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
- 100 grams black olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 to taste salt
- 1 to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Stir in the flaked tuna, sliced olives, and capers. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to combine the flavors.
If you'd like some heat, add the red chili flakes and stir them in.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with the tuna and olive mixture. If the pasta looks dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in the lemon zest and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the spaghetti.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1655 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 86.3 g | 111% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.5 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 94 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 4293 mg | 187% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.7 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.7 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 77.8 g | 156% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.8 mcg | 59% | |
| Calcium | 189 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 13.4 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 837 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
