Quick and Easy Tuna Pasta in Garlic and Oil
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Quick and Easy Tuna Pasta in Garlic and Oil, a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that comes together in just 20 minutes! Packed with pantry staples like canned tuna in olive oil, fragrant minced garlic, and your favorite pasta, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and gourmet appeal. A touch of red chili flakes adds optional heat, while lemon zest and fresh parsley bring a zesty, herbaceous finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fuss-free date night, this light yet satisfying dish is delicious, versatile, and sure to win over pasta lovers. Serve it as is or with a crisp green salad for a complete meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- 2 cans (about 150 grams each) canned tuna in olive oil
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden (be careful not to burn it).
Stir in the red chili flakes (if using) for an extra kick.
Drain the canned tuna, keeping a little bit of the oil for added flavor, and add the tuna to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, tossing to combine and coat the pasta evenly.
Stir in the lemon zest, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute to bring the flavors together.
Serve immediately, garnishing with more parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
345 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.1 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4 g | 17% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 38 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 713 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.1 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.6 g | ||
| Protein | 23.5 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.7 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 22 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 265 mg | 6% | |
*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.
