Description
This vibrant Italian-inspired Spaghetti with Tuna and Capers recipe offers a delightful mix of tender pasta, flavorful tuna, briny capers, and zesty lemon, all brought together with aromatic garlic and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner, this dish highlights Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.
- Add the Main Ingredients: Stir in the flaked tuna, rinsed capers, and cherry tomatoes (if using). Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften slightly.
- Incorporate Lemon and Pasta: Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet. Then add the cooked spaghetti along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly and warm through.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired. Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and give a final toss before serving warm.
Notes
- This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- For extra flavor variations, consider adding olives or substituting sun-dried tomatoes.
- Use high-quality canned tuna packed in olive oil to maximize flavor and richness.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to help the sauce bind to the spaghetti and add moisture.
