Tuna Spaghetti

Spaghetti with Tuna and Delicious Meatballs – An Easy Recipe Perfect for a Quick Dinner

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a delicious meal that makes you feel like you’re in a restaurant? Spaghetti with tuna and meatballs is a simple yet flavorful recipe that perfectly combines ingredients to create a memorable culinary experience. This recipe has its roots in home cooking traditions, where simple ingredients transform into savory dishes.

Ingredients – Meatballs:
- 1 can (195 g) of tuna in its own juice (crumbled, juice reserved)
- 25 g pine nuts
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh marjoram, chopped
- 50 ml milk
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 1 beaten egg
- Sea salt, to taste

Ingredients – Sauce:
- 500 g tomato sauce
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt with herbs
- 40 g cornstarch
- 150 ml red wine
- 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, chopped

Ingredients – Spaghetti:
- 200 g spaghetti
- Salted water (for boiling)

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Meatballs
Start by preheating the oven to 200 °C. This will help create a delicious crust on the meatballs while keeping them juicy inside. In a large bowl, mix the crumbled tuna (make sure to drain excess water), pine nuts, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and marjoram. Add the milk, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and sea salt to taste. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

Step 2: Forming the Meatballs
From the obtained mixture, form 16 medium-sized balls using your wet hands. This is a fun step! Ensure the meatballs are uniform in size so they cook evenly. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Preparing the Sauce
In a pot, combine the tomato sauce, crushed garlic cloves, brown sugar, and sea salt with herbs. These ingredients will blend perfectly, providing a rich and flavorful sauce. In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in red wine, then add it to the tomato sauce. Place the mixture over medium heat and let it simmer until the sauce begins to thicken, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 4: Baking the Meatballs
Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and add the chopped fresh basil. Pour the sauce over the meatballs arranged on the tray. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are golden and well-cooked.

Step 5: Boiling the Pasta
Meanwhile, heat a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes. When al dente, drain the pasta and reserve a little cooking water to adjust the sauce if necessary.

Step 6: Assembling the Dish
After the meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven and gently mix them with the spaghetti. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water to thin it out and achieve the perfect consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with a bit of fresh basil.

Serving Suggestions
This recipe for spaghetti with tuna and meatballs can be complemented with a fresh green salad or a tomato and onion salad to add a crunchy and refreshing contrast. A slice of homemade bread can be an ideal accompaniment to savor the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Benefits
Tuna is an excellent source of high-quality protein, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Additionally, pine nuts add a boost of nutrients and healthy fats, while fresh herbs enhance the aroma and nutritional value of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tuna can add extra flavor and an interesting texture to the meatballs. Just make sure it is cooked properly.

2. What can I add to the sauce for a more intense flavor?
You can try adding a few drops of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of olive paste for a deeper taste.

3. How can I turn this recipe into a vegetarian dish?
Replace the tuna with chickpeas or finely chopped mushrooms to create delicious vegetarian meatballs.

This recipe for spaghetti with tuna and meatballs is not only easy to make but also full of flavors that will delight you. It’s perfect for a quick dinner but special enough to impress friends and family. Feel free to experiment and add your favorite ingredients, turning every meal into a unique occasion!

 Ingredients: For meatballs: 1 can (195 g) of tuna in its own juice, flaked tuna and juice reserved, 25 g pine nuts, zest of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped lovage, 50 ml milk, 50 g breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, sea salt to taste. For the sauce: 500 g tomato sauce, 4 cloves of garlic, crushed, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sea salt with herbs, 40 g cornstarch, 150 ml red wine, 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped basil, 200 g spaghetti.