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Tuna Sauce for Pasta

Name: Tuna Sauce for Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Tuna Sauce for Pasta
Ingredients: 2 cans of tuna; 1 onion; 2 cloves of garlic; 400 grams of chopped tomatoes; 1 tablespoon of tomato puree; 1 teaspoon of dried oregano; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; Salt and pepper

Tuna Sauce for Pasta is a simple and quick way to make a delicious meal. It uses common pantry ingredients that most people already have at home. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without much effort. You can serve it over your favourite type of pasta for a filling dinner.

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Why you should cook tuna sauce for pasta

This tuna sauce for pasta combines rich tomatoes with flaky fish for a balanced flavour. The addition of garlic and herbs gives it a classic Mediterranean feel. It is a very affordable recipe that provides plenty of protein for the whole family. Using canned tuna makes the preparation much faster than using fresh seafood.

How to prepare tuna sauce for pasta

Step 1

Prepare base: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and clear. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Make sure the garlic does not brown too much as it can turn bitter.

Step 2

Add tomatoes: Pour the chopped tomatoes and tomato puree into the pan with the onions. Add the dried oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine the flavours. Let the mixture simmer gently for about ten minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 3

Flake tuna: Drain the liquid from the tuna cans and discard it. Use a fork to break the tuna into smaller chunks. Add the fish to the tomato sauce in the pan. Stir gently so the tuna stays in nice pieces rather than turning into a paste.

Step 4

Finish sauce: Heat the mixture for another two or three minutes until the tuna is hot. Taste the sauce and add more seasoning if needed. Serve the tuna sauce for pasta immediately over hot cooked noodles. Top with fresh parsley or cheese if you like.

Useful tips for tuna sauce for pasta

If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of dried chilli flakes when frying the garlic. You can also add black olives or capers to the tuna sauce for pasta for extra saltiness. Using tuna in oil often gives a richer flavour than tuna in brine. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to thin it out. This helps the sauce coat the pasta more evenly.

Make sure to drain the tuna well so the sauce does not become watery. Fresh basil added at the very end can provide a lovely burst of colour and aroma. You can also swap the oregano for dried thyme or mixed herbs if you prefer a different taste profile.

You may also like homemade burger, pasta salad with chicken or prawn quiche.

Ingredients

servings

Adjust quantity

2 cans of tuna in brine or oil
1 onion finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic minced
400 grams of chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon of tomato puree
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking time

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving

Energy:774 kJ / 185 kcal
Fat:9 g
- of which saturates:1.5 g
Carbohydrates:7 g
- of which sugars:4 g
Protein:19 g
Fibre:2 g
Salt:480 mg

You can store the tuna sauce for pasta in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat it gently in a pan or microwave until it is steaming hot throughout. Make sure to stir it occasionally while reheating to ensure even temperature.

Can I freeze Tuna Sauce for Pasta?

Yes, this tuna sauce for pasta freezes well for up to three months. Allow the sauce to cool completely before placing it in a freezer bag or container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.

Which pasta goes best with tuna sauce?

Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine works very well with this sauce. Short shapes like penne or fusilli are also great for catching the tomato and tuna chunks. Choose the shape you have in your cupboard as the sauce is very versatile.