Penne with tuna

Penne with Tuna: A Quick and Satisfying Delight

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Are you looking for a simple and delicious recipe that brings a dish full of flavors to your table, perfect for a quick dinner? Penne with tuna is the ideal choice! This dish combines al dente pasta with a rich tomato sauce, complemented by juicy tuna and flavorful cheese. Plus, it's a recipe that takes only 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.

A bit of history: Pasta has been a staple food in many cultures, often enjoyed with various sauces. This recipe blends the tradition of pasta with the versatile ingredient of tuna, offering a quick yet flavorful meal.

Ingredients:
- 300 g penne
- 1 can of tuna in oil (about 180 g)
- 200 g tomato paste
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 100 g grated cheese (or feta cheese, if you prefer)

Steps to follow:

1. Boil the pasta:
In a large pot, add water and a tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). In the meantime, you can prepare the sauce.

2. Prepare the tomato sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic can give the sauce a bitter taste.

3. Add the tomato paste:
Once the garlic is ready, add the tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens. You can add a tablespoon of water if it’s too thick.

4. Season the sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened, add salt, pepper, and thyme, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors.

5. Add the tuna:
Drain the tuna from the can, keeping a little oil, and add it to the skillet. Gently mix to avoid breaking the tuna pieces too much. Let the sauce cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

6. Combine the pasta with the sauce:
When the penne is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet over the tomato and tuna sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Let it cook for another minute so the pasta absorbs the flavors.

7. Serving:
Transfer the pasta to plates and sprinkle grated cheese on top. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor, as well as some fresh basil or parsley leaves for a more attractive presentation.

Practical tips:
- Choose a quality tuna, preferably in olive oil, for a richer taste.
- If you want a spicier sauce, you can add chili flakes to the tomato sauce.
- Vary the recipe by adding olives, capers, or sautéed vegetables (like zucchini or bell peppers) for a more complex meal.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the tuna and contains a good source of carbohydrates from the pasta. The cheese adds calcium and healthy fats, while the tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain penne will add a richer texture and more fiber.
- What other cheeses can I use? You can replace the cheese with parmesan, mozzarella, or goat cheese, depending on personal preferences.
- How can I store the pasta? If you have leftover pasta, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the oven with a little water to prevent it from drying out.

Serving suggestions:
These penne with tuna are delicious served alongside a fresh green salad or a glass of dry white wine. You can also accompany the meal with a fresh baguette to savor the delicious sauce.

Adopt this penne with tuna recipe into your culinary routine and enjoy a quick, filling, and flavorful dish!