Garlicky Tuna Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
When you're craving a quick, easy dinner with bold flavors, this pantry pasta delivers big time. With a can of tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, a tangle of linguine (or spaghetti), and a garlicky, spicy olive oil sauce, it comes together fast with pantry ingredients — no grocery run required.
Ingredients
- 1-2 cans or 6-ounce jars oil-preserved tuna depending on appetite
- Sea salt
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 finely garlic cloves
- ½-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes cut into slivers
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Handful chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
- Lift the tuna from the jar with a fork, leaving the oil in the jar. Put the tuna into a small bowl and break into smaller pieces with the fork — don't shred too much as large chunks have a nice texture.
- Set a large pot of water on the stove to boil, adding 1 tablespoon of salt per quart of water.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium low heat for a minute. Toss in 2 finely garlic cloves, ½-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and ½ cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoesCook just until the garlic starts to sizzle. Remove from the heat and stir in the tuna and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Cook 1 pound linguine or spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ¼-½ cup of pasta water before draining. Immediately add the pasta to the skillet along with 2 tablespoons butter. Use tongs or two large forks to toss the pasta with the sauce, adding a bit of water to loosen the sauce (you might not need all the water).
- Sprinkle the herbs over the pasta, then taste and add more salt or chili if you like. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use two cans of tuna for a heartier meal (about 4 servings).
- If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in hot water for a few minutes if they feel hard.
- For more briny flavor toss the pasta with 1-2 tablespoons capers, chopped olives or sliced canned artichoke hearts.
- The pasta will keep up to 3 days, refrigerated. If the pasta has absorbed the sauce, reheat with a little bit more olive oil along with 1-2 tablespoons water or broth.
Nutrition
Calories: 622kcalCarbohydrates: 93gProtein: 17gFat: 20gSodium: 54mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9g
