Tuna pasta
Uniting vibrant ingredients like fresh lemon and spring onions with store cupboard staples makes this tuna pasta recipe a perfect go-to for a light, tasty supper. Tuna is the star of the show, but tangy capers, silky olive oil, and sautéed vegetables help boost flavour, texture, and satisfaction. Ready in just 30 minutes, this tuna pasta recipe will soon become a trusty go-to when you need to get something delicious on the dinner table fast.
Ingredients
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2 cans
Tuna in water (about 300 g)
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125 g
Capers, drained
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2 tsp
Lemon zest, finely grated
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2 tbsp
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
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Freshly ground black pepper
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2 l
Water
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2 tsp
Coarse salt
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300 g
Dried spaghetti
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2 tbsp
Olive oil
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2
Courgettes, diced (about 400 g)
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2 bunch
Spring onions, thinly sliced (about 200 g)
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To garnish
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Spring onions, thinly sliced
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
There are many types of canned tuna, with brine, oil, and water as the usual additions. For this recipe, we recommend tuna in water, but you can replace it with, for example, tuna in oil to add a touch of Mediterranean richness without changing the recipe too much. Just make sure to drain the can well before adding capers, pepper, and lemon. Tuna in oil has a rich flavour and texture, but this decadence can clash with the olive oil and salad cheese, so be careful not to use too much of the canned oil.
The optimal texture for al dente pasta is when the spaghetti is tender but retains a firm bite. Begin by setting a timer for the minimum cooking time, which is typically around 8 minutes. When the timer rings, remove a strand or two, and allow them to cool for a moment before checking the texture. The spaghetti should not feel hard. Ideally, it will be chewy and hold its texture. If it is too firm, cook it for another minute and check again.
FAQ: Questions about tuna pasta
Ready to cook up a storm with a delicious tuna pasta? Whether your brain is spinning at the thought of marinating ingredients together or you are wondering how to achieve the perfect spaghetti, we have the answers to your worries. Let us jump right in and discover how you can refine your kitchen skills.
Can I make tuna pasta with canned tuna?
Yes, you can make tuna pasta with canned tuna. This can even be a more straightforward solution on busy days, when you do not have time for grocery shopping, but just need to cook something from whatever you have in your cupboards.
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna instead of canned for this tuna pasta, but it requires some adjustments to the recipe. Use 300 g of fresh tuna, cut into bite-sized cubes. Allow it to marinate in the fridge with capers, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper for 15-30 minutes. Since you will serve the tuna raw on hot pasta, make sure it is sushi-grade to reduce food safety risks. If you prefer cooked tuna, sear it briefly on both sides before marinating, though this will yield a firmer, less flaky texture. Also, note that fresh tuna will not blend into the sauce like canned tuna, so you might want to add extra olive oil for balance.
How long should I marinate the tuna?
To achieve the best flavour, the tuna should marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This allows ample time for the fish to absorb the zesty goodness of the lemon and capers, enhancing the overall flavour. Avoid marinating the tuna for too long, as the lemon's acidity can make the texture too soft. A quick 15-minute marinate also means the tuna pasta will be ready within half an hour.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
465 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 4.7 g |
| Protein | 28 % | 32 g |
| Fat | 17.1 % | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54.9 % | 62.8 g |
The easiest canned tuna pasta with vegetables
Great food does not have to be complicated, especially when using premium ingredients like quality olive oil, fresh lemon, and salty capers. This recipe brings a new wave of energy to a family favourite by trusting classic ingredients and a dreamy balance of bold and subtle flavours.
Picture twirling your fork through spaghetti, each strand perfectly coated in a zesty lemon marinade mixed with olive oil. As you taste it, the sharpness of capers complements the savoury tuna, while lemon zest brings a refreshing brightness, balancing the richer flavours.
The soft salad cheese offers a velvety touch, adorning every strand of spaghetti with a creamy, tangy coating that enhances the dish and every mouthful in an instant.
Marinated with capers, lemon juice, and zest
Balancing flavours may not seem like an easy feat, but once you know how to use sweet, salty, and sour notes, your cooking will change forever. Capers offer a saltiness that this meal would be lost without, as the olive oil and salad cheese are heavier ingredients that need a complementary touch. The sharp tang of lemon juice and zest cut through the heaviness of the cheese, enlivening the pasta with a fresh yet not overpowering citrus zing.
A 15-minute marinade may not seem like a long time, but it is enough for the tuna to absorb as many flavours as possible before you combine it with the pasta and vegetables.
For more tuna recipes, try seared tuna, tuna salad, and tuna quinoa salad.
A fresh and scrumptious pasta dish for quick lunches and dinners
Mealtimes are moments to celebrate, whether you are eating alone or alongside friends and family. Pasta will forever be a popular choice at the dinner table, and with endless ingredient combinations, there is never a dull moment when pasta is in the picture. Delicious hot or cold, this tuna pasta recipe is one to have on standby when inspiration is lacking, or you just want a comforting bowl of goodness in your hands in about 30 minutes.
Prepare it ahead of time to have a scrumptious lunch, or double the recipe so you can serve it for dinner today and enjoy leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
If you like recipes that work equally well for lunch and dinner, you should also take a look at these chicken wraps or perhaps a high-protein pizza.
Try adding your own ideas to the recipe
One of the joys of cooking? You can play around with recipes and make them your own, depending on the ingredients you have or the type of dish you are craving. Modify this tuna pasta recipe easily by using different kinds of pasta, cheese, vegetables, and oils. Try, for example, linguine or fusilli instead of spaghetti for a different textural experience, or try adding small carrot dice and red onion for a colourful touch and a sharper flavour.
You can also boost the appearance and flavour with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or add a kick with thinly sliced fresh chilli or dried chilli flakes. Sun-dried tomatoes or black olives bring a Mediterranean flair, while prawns or scallops make it a more luxurious meal.
If you follow this recipe, you get a meal high in protein. For more recipes like this, check our high-protein meals or our high-protein air fryer recipes. You can also read our articles on high-protein fish or high-protein vegetables to gather inspiration for your cooking.
