Pasta with tomato sauce and tuna
Pasta with tomato and tuna sauce - a simple and delicious recipe
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Welcome to your kitchen! Today, you are invited to a culinary adventure with a recipe for pasta with tomato and tuna sauce, inspired by Jamie Oliver's style. This recipe is not only quick but also full of flavors, combining fresh ingredients with a rich and comforting sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends, this recipe will bring smiles to everyone's faces.
Before we start, let's take a look at the necessary ingredients. These are essential for achieving a savory sauce, full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 500 g pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 cans of tuna (preferably in olive oil)
- 5 large ripe tomatoes (or you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available)
- 1 red onion
- 1-2 hot peppers (depending on how spicy you like it)
- 1-2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 1 bunch of fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan, for serving
- Olive oil, for cooking
The story behind the recipe:
The pasta with tomato and tuna sauce is a perfect example of comfort food that can be prepared quickly without compromising on taste. Tuna, a protein-rich ingredient, combined with juicy tomatoes and the flavors of basil and lemon, makes this dish an excellent choice for a balanced diet. This recipe has become popular due to its simplicity and the accessibility of ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion.
Step by step:
1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion. Then, tear the basil leaves and chop the stems. Wash the hot peppers and slice them thinly. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds.
2. Peeling the tomatoes:
Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then remove them and place them in cold water to peel them more easily. Cut them into cubes.
3. Preparing the sauce:
In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, hot peppers, cinnamon, and chopped basil stems. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
4. Adding the tomatoes and tuna:
Add the tomato cubes to the skillet along with the juice from the tomatoes (if using canned). Open the tuna cans, drain the oil, and if the tuna is whole, flake it gently with a fork. Add the tuna to the skillet and sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste the sauce to check if it needs more salt or pepper.
5. Boiling the pasta:
Meanwhile, boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. It is important not to overcook them so that they remain firm to the bite.
6. Finishing the dish:
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet along with the tomato and tuna sauce. Grate the lemon zest and squeeze the juice, then add them to the skillet mixture. Tear the basil leaves into large pieces and add them along with the grated Parmesan. Mix well to combine all the ingredients and let the flavors meld together.
7. Serving:
Serve the pasta immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves for a nice presentation. You can also add a few lemon slices on the plate for a touch of freshness.
Practical tips:
- If you like a spicier sauce, you can add more hot peppers or even a pinch of chili flakes.
- You can substitute tuna with salmon or chicken for a different version of the same recipe.
- If you want to add a touch of flavor, you can also include some black olives in the sauce.
- This recipe pairs perfectly with a refreshing white wine or herbal tea for a relaxing meal.
Frequently asked questions:
- What pasta can I use? Any type of pasta works well, but spaghetti or penne are the most popular choices.
- Can I use canned tomatoes? Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are an excellent alternative and save time.
- Can I freeze the sauce? Yes, the sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months, just make sure to store it in airtight containers.
Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 550
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 4 g
This pasta with tomato and tuna sauce is more than just a simple dish; it is a culinary experience that combines fresh flavors with the comfort of a family meal. Try it and let yourself be carried away by the taste of every bite! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 500 g pasta, 2 cans of tuna, 5 large ripe tomatoes, 1 red onion, 1-2 hot peppers, 1-2 lemons, 1 bunch of basil, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, salt, ground pepper, grated parmesan, olive oil
