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Pasta with Tuna and Olives

Name: Pasta with Tuna and Olives
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Pasta with Tuna and Olives
Ingredients: 400g dried pasta; 160g canned tuna in oil; 100g black olives pitted; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 lemon juiced; 50g parmesan cheese grated; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch pepper

Pasta with Tuna and Olives is a quick and satisfying meal that you can make with simple pantry staples. It combines flaky fish with salty olives and a touch of lemon for a fresh taste. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without much effort. You only need a few basic ingredients to create a dinner that feels like a treat.

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Why you should make pasta with tuna and olives

You will enjoy making Pasta with Tuna and Olives because it takes very little time to prepare. The ingredients are easy to find and often already in your kitchen cupboard. It provides a balanced meal with plenty of flavour from the garlic and herbs. This simple dish is great for feeding the whole family on a budget.

How to cook pasta with tuna and olives

Step 1

Boil the pasta: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil and add the dried pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is just tender. Drain the pasta but keep a small amount of the cooking water aside for later use.

Step 2

Fry the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about one minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic turn brown or bitter because it will affect the taste of the sauce.

Step 3

Mix the sauce: Flake the tuna and add it to the pan with the olives and dried oregano. Stir everything together and cook for two minutes to heat the tuna through properly. Squeeze in the lemon juice to add a fresh citrus note to the mixture.

Step 4

Combine and serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with the tuna mixture. Add a splash of the saved pasta water to make the sauce smooth and coat the noodles well. Top with grated parmesan and serve your Pasta with Tuna and Olives immediately.

Extra tips for pasta with tuna and olives

For the best flavour use tuna packed in olive oil rather than brine. This adds a richer texture to your Pasta with Tuna and Olives. You can add a pinch of red chilli flakes if you prefer a bit of heat in your meal. Try adding fresh parsley at the end to give the dish a pop of colour and extra freshness. If you do not have black olives you can use green olives or even capers for a similar salty kick. Make sure to salt your pasta water well as this is the only chance to season the pasta itself.

Always save some of the pasta water before draining as the starch helps the tuna and oil stick to the pasta.

You might also enjoy pirozhki with beef, vegetarian risotto or tiramisu.

Ingredients

servings

Adjust quantity

400 g dried pasta
160 g canned tuna in oil
100 g black olives pitted
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 lemon juiced
50 g parmesan cheese grated
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper

Cooking time

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving

Energy:2238 kJ / 535 kcal
Fat:16 g
- of which saturates:5 g
Carbohydrates:74 g
- of which sugars:3 g
Protein:25 g
Fibre:4 g
Salt:780 mg

You can store any leftover Pasta with Tuna and Olives in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you want to eat it again just reheat it gently in a pan with a splash of water to stop it from drying out.

What is the best type of pasta for Pasta with Tuna and Olives?

Long shapes like spaghetti or linguine work very well for Pasta with Tuna and Olives. If you prefer short shapes then fusilli or penne are also great options because they hold the small pieces of tuna and olives in their ridges.

Can I add extra vegetables to the tuna and olives mixture?

Yes you can easily add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or baby spinach to the pan. Add them at the same time as the garlic so they have enough time to soften before you mix in the cooked pasta.