Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant Spaghetti with Tuna and Swiss Chard recipe—a simple yet flavorful pasta dish bursting with Mediterranean charm. Tender spaghetti is tossed with sautéed Swiss chard, savory chunks of canned tuna in olive oil, and a zesty touch of lemon, creating a harmonious blend of fresh and pantry ingredients. A hint of garlic and red chili flakes adds a subtle kick, while Parmesan cheese provides optional richness for a luxurious finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this wholesome recipe is perfect for busy evenings and makes a delightful, light meal that’s packed with nutrients. Serve it warm for ultimate comfort or enjoy it as an elegant alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, wash the Swiss chard thoroughly. Separate the stems from the leaves. Finely chop the stems and roughly chop the leaves, keeping them separate.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic cloves and red chili flakes, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the chopped Swiss chard stems to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften. Then add the chopped Swiss chard leaves and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they are wilted.
Add the canned tuna (with its oil) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
Add the reserved pasta cooking water in small increments, stirring to create a light sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve immediately, with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Calories |
956 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.2 g | 94% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.7 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 4151 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.7 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 57.1 g | 114% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.8 mcg | 39% | |
| Calcium | 792 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 1633 mg | 35% | |
*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.